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HYMNS. 


BY 


FREDERICK  WILLIAM  FABER,  D.  D. 


Non  vox  sed  votum,  non  chordula  musica  sed  cor, 
Kon  damans  sed  amans,  cantat  in  aure  Dei. 

Gloss,  in  Cap.  cantantes. 


Cljirb  g^mencaiT,  from  the  giutbor's  last  ^hitton  of  I8GI. 


BALTIMORE: 
JOHN   MURPHY   &   CO. 


F3 


TO 

^be  lEarl  of  Hrimbel  anb  Surrey, 

THESE   HYMNS 

ARE   AFFECTIONATELY  INSCRIBED, 

WITH  THE  BELIEF  THAT  TO  HIM 

IT  WILL  BE  THE  TRUEST  TOKEN  OF  GRATITUDE 

fOR  SO   MANY   KINDNESSES, 

THUS   TO   CONNECT   HIS   HONORED   NAME 

WITH 

OUR  DEAR  ST.  PHILIP. 

1819. 

Honry  Granville,  fourteenth  Duke  ot  Norfolk,  died  the  death  of  the 
Just,  shortly  before  iiiidnigbt  on  the  Feast  of  St.  Catherine,  Nov.  25, 
1860.    Reqiiiescat  in  pace. 


LOAN  STACIC 


FATHER  FABER  S  HYMNS. 

All  Father  Faber's  works  are  struck  in  the  same  key. 
A  unity  of  thought  and  feeling  pervades  everything  this 
gifted  soul  penned.  There  is  an  undercurrent  of  pur- 
pose moving  along  in  silence,  but  with  irresistible  force, 
collecting  and  harmonizing  the  vast  wealth  of  thought 
and  imagery  that  floats  through  his  richly-endowed 
mind,  till  it  asserts  itself  in  a  powerful  effort  to  lift  man 
up  out  of  the  plane  of  his  fallen  human  nature  i^ito  the 
sphere  of  the  supernatural,  and  to  place  him  nearer  his 
God  by  bringing  heaven  and  earth  together  in  a  closer 
bond  of  union.  Faber's  merit  and  the  chief  excellence 
of  his  writings  consist  in  this  :  that  he  deals  with  man 
in  his  relations  with  the  Creator  and  with  the  channels 
of  grace  established  by  the  Creator — not  as  though  God 
and  His  sacraments  and  His  redemption  were  outside  of 
him,  or  existences  far  aw^ay  from  his  own  existence,  but 
rather  as  an  inseparable  part  and  parcel  of  the  vast  sys- 
tem of  relations  in  which  his  being  is  merged.  He  has 
made  us  feel  that  grace  and  redemption  are  as  intimately 
blended  with  our  spiritual  life  as  is  the  air  we  breathe 
with  our  physical  organism.  He  has  brought  home  to 
us  the  truth  that  all  men  are  bound  up  in  their  influence 
and  their  action  for  time  and  eternity.  He  has  thus 
raised  up  the  popular  intelligence  a  degree  nearer  the 
theological  manner  of  looking  at  things.  He  has 
placed  the  material  and  spiritual  world  under  a  new 
aspect.  It  is  one  in  which  the  severer  and  more  sombre 
views  of  life  are  mellowed  by  a  cheerfulness  and  a  con- 
tentment and  a  hope  ihat  diffiise  themselves  through 
one's  soul  and  make  one  resolve  upon  taking  a  fresh  start 
1*  V 


VI  FATHER  FABERS  HYMNS. 

towards  the  froal  of  saintliness.  He  does  not  ioriove  any 
of  the  realities  of  life.  All  its  miseries  enter  into  his 
calculations ;  but  he  does  not,  like  the  older  spiritual 
writers,  make  them  the  burden  of  his  thoughts.  He 
sees  sin  and  its  consequences ;  he  notes  crime,  and  folly, 
and  wickedness ;  he  looks  ^vith  unflinching  eye  down 
the  depths  of  degradation  into  which  fallen  humanity 
plunges ;  but  he  also  watches  souls  struggling  nobly  and 
manfully  upward  and  onward,  surrounded  by  an  infinite 
world  of  mercy ;  he  sees  sunshine  everywhere,  and  the 
music  of  nature  and  the  music  of  love  reverberate 
through  his  soul ;  and  in  the  beauties  of  earth,  and  the 
beauties  of,  moral  action,  and  the  beauties  of  truth,  he 
catches  glimpses  of  the  Beauty  ever  ancient  and  ever 
new,  and  reflects  It  from  his  glowing  page.  And  the 
glamour  of  his  own  poetic  nature  occasionally  makes 
more  sunshine  than  there  really  is.  For  Father  Faber 
is  a  poet  flrst  and  a  theologian  after. 

From  the  outset  of  his  literary  career,  Faber's  })()eti- 
cal  talent  was  recognized.  When  he  announced  to 
Wordsworth  his  intention  of  taking  a  curacy  in  the 
Anglican  Church,  the  poet  remarked :  "  I  do  not  say 
you  are  wrong ;  but  England  loses  a  poet."*  Be  it  so. 
England  has  lost  a  poet;  the  Anglican  Church  after- 
wards, in  losing  him,  lost  one  of  its  most  zealous  minis- 
ters ;  but,  at  the  same  time.  Catholics  throughout  the 
English-speaking  world,  in  gaining  him,  gained  one  of 
the  sweetest  singers  of  the  Church's  mysteries,  her  sac- 
raments, her  saints,  her  ceremonies  and  her  glories.  A 
man  of  exquisite  delicacy  of  feeling  and  generous  im- 
pulse and  continuous  elevation  of  thought,  the  poet 
embodied  in  his  book  of  Hymns  the  flowering  of  all  the 

^Life  and  Letters  of  Frederick  William  Faber.     Bowden,  p.  173. 


FATHER  FABER'S  HYMNS  Vil 

sublime  emotions  and  visions  that  passed  over  his  heart 
and  mind.  These  Hymns  represent  in  their  heaven- 
ward ai?piration  and  spiritualizing  tendency,  the  poet's 
eminently  Christian  spirit  and  deep  concern  for  his 
soul's  sahation.  So  beautifully  does  he  sing  at  times 
that  it  woi'ld  seem  as  though  in  him  heaven  and  earth 
came  nigh,  and  he  heard  the  waves  of  time  as  they 
pulsed  on  the  shore  of  eternity.  And  he  does  it  all 
with  the  purp,>se  of  making  truth  and  virtue  sink  more 
deeply  into  the  hearts  of  those  who  listen  to  his  sweet 
words.  He  was  not  unmindful  of  the  power  of  song. 
He  had  read  and  noted  what  a  large  factor  it  was  in 
sowing  Arianism  broadcast.  He  had  witnessed  the 
effects  of  Weslev's  Hymns  upon  the  people  of  Wales 
and  Cornwall.  He  therefore  started  the  practice  of  the 
singing  of  hymns  in  the  Oratory.  Time  has  proved  the 
wisdom  of  this  step.  Several  of  the  hymns  contained 
in  the  present  volume  are  echoed  Sunday  after  Sunday, 
and  feast-day  ailer  feast-day,  in  churches  throughout  all 
parts  of  the  world  in  which  the  English  language  is 
spoken.  And  very  often  the  thousands  into  whose 
hearts  they  have  sunk,  are  ignorant  of  the  source  from 
which  they  welled  forth ! 

These  Hymns  are  well  calculated  to  give  food  for 
reflection  on  all  the  phases  of  the  spiritual  life.  They 
open  a  new  world  of  thought,  and  they  assert  truth  in  a 
manner  so  striking  and  so  beautiful  that  they  leave  a 
lasting  impression  on  the  reader.  For  the  soul  rising 
above  the  material,  and  making  a  study  of  the  spiritual 
life,  and  anxiously  striving  to  ascend  the  rugged  path 
of  religious  perfection  these  Hymns  are  invaluable. 
Their  subjectiveness  makes  them  all  the  more  attractive. 
They  are  the  expression  of  a  pure  heart  and  an  enlight- 
ened mind.    They  are  the  inner  thoughts  of  a  man  of  God. 


Vlll  FATHER  FABERS  HYMNS. 

They  are  the  music  of  a  soul  highly  and  delicately  strung, 
over  Avhoin  every  wave  of  grace  sweeps  in  harmony  and 
awakens  love,  and  in  whom  love  seeks  fitting  words  for 
the  yearnings  of  the  heart. 

"New  passions  are  waking  within  me, 
New  passions  that  have  not  a  name ; 
Divine  truths  that  I  knew  hut  as  phantoms 
Stand  up  clear  and  bright  in  the  tlame." 

So  sang  the  poet,  in  one  of  his  most  admired  pieces, 
upon  the  effect  of  music  on  his  soul.  It  describes  the 
inner  workings  of  that  same  soul  beneath  the  more 
mysterious  music  of  poetry  as  stirred  up  by  the  move- 
ments of  grace  and  the  visions  of  religious  life  in  all 
its  phases. 

There  is  one  work  especially  with  which  the  Hymns 
will  bear  comparison.  It  is  the  Christian  Year.  Both 
frequently  deal  with  the  same  subjects.  Both  are  intended 
to  promote  piety  and  devotion.  Both  are  based  on  the 
principle  that "  next  to  a  sound  rule  of  faith,  there  is  noth- 
ing of  so  much  consequence  as  a  sober  standard  of  feel- 
ing in  matters  of  practical  religion."*  The  authors  of 
both  were  intimate  friends  and  mutual  admirers.  They 
were  devoted  students  of  Wordsworth's  poetry  and  im- 
bibed some  of  what  was  best  in  that  great  poet's  genius 
and  spirit.  But,  both  Keble  and  Faber  soared  into 
higher  regions  than  were  within  the  range  of  Words- 
worth's muse.  Wliilst  recognizing  with  the  hitter  the 
power  and  influence,  the  loveliness  and  grandeur  of 
Nature  and  its  intimate  blending  with  man  throughout 
the  whole  sphere  of  his  life;  whilst  distinguishing  back 
of  the  mere  material  form  the  mcjre  spiritual  ideal  under- 

*  Christian  Year.     Pref.  p.  iii. 


FATHER  FABER'S  HYMNS.  ix 

lying  that  form ;  -whilst  acknowledging  each  with  the 
patriarch  of  Nature-seers  that — 

"  Beauty— a  living  Presence  of  the  earth, 
Surpassing  tlie  most  fair  ideal  Forms 
Which  craft  of  delicate  Spirits  hath  composed 
From  earth's  materials — waits  upon  my  steps; 
Pitches  her  tents  before  me  as  I  move, 
An  hourly  neighbor " 

above  and  beyond  all  this-— and  not  dissevered  from  it 
but  intimately  connected  with  it,  they  saw  the  world  of 
grace  which  is  the  complement  and  perfection  of  the 
world  of  Nature.  And  beautifully,  indeed,  is  Nature,  in 
the  hymns  of  both  poets,  made  the  framework  of  some 
grand  spiritual  truth.  Not  Nature,  cold  and  abstract  as 
read  in  books  or  drawn  in  fancy,  but  the  living,  palpi- 
tating Nature  that  they  met  face  to  face,  and  that,  poet- 
like, they  convei'sed  with,  till  its  form,  its  beauty  and 
its  expression  sank  into  their  minds  and  inflamed  their 
imaginations.  Keble,  for  instance,  is  reading  Spenser 
under  shelter  of  a  rock  ;  the  winds  are  sighing  around 
him ;  but  their  voice  has  entered  his  heart  and  their 
music  echoes  through  his  fancy,  and  the  whole  scene  he 
sets,  in  one  of  his  hymns,  in  these  delightful  verses : 

"  Lone  Nature  feels  that  she  may  freely  breathe, 

And  round  us  and  beneath 
Are  heard  her  sacred  tones ;  the  fitful  sweep 

Of  winds  across  the  steep, 
Through  withered  bents — romantic  note  and  clear 

Meet  for  a  hermit's  ear."  * 

Faber  takes  up  his  abode  at  Cotton  Hall.    "  Standing 
at  a  considerable  elevation  on  the  north-east  side  of  a 


*  Christian  Year,  the  Twentieth  Sunday  after  Trinity.  The 
late  Kobertson  of  Brighton  considered  these  lines  the  best  in 
the  Christian  Year.     See  Keble's  Life,  by  Sir  J.  Col  fridge. 


X  FATHER  FABERS  HYMNS. 

deep  valley,  the  lower  part  of  which  was  filled  with 
thick  wood,  it  looked  across  to  the  opposite  bank, 
crowned  by  a  clump  of  Scotch  firs."  *  The  scenery  ot 
the  place  grew  into  Faber's  fancy.  And  so  we  find  the 
lawn,  the  spring,  the  garden-plots,  the  thyme  and  the 
lilacs  have  all  been  transferred  into  one  of  those  sweet 
and  simple  rhymes  which  the  poet  so  well  knew  how  to 
weave  for  children  : 

"See  !  the  sun  beyond  the  hill 
Is  dipping,  dipping  down 
Eight  above  that  old  Scotch  fir, 
Just  like  a  golden  crown. 

Children  !  quick,  and  come  with  me, 

Handfuls  of  cowslips  bring, 
Hawthorn  bright  with  boughs  of  white, 

And  mayflowers  from  the  spring. 

Lucy  has  fresh  shoots  of  thyme 

From  her  own  garden  plot : 
Jacob's  lilac  has  been  stripped — 

A  gay  and  goodly  lot ! "  f 

In  thus  making  the  nature  of  sense  a  vestibule  to  the 
world  of  spirit  both  poets  not  only  learned,  but  improved 
upon,  the  lessons  of  their  master  in  the  poetic  art.  But 
their  points  of  divergence  are  no  less  striking  than  those 
of  resemblance.  Not  always  is  Faber  as  polished  as 
Keble.  He  throws  off  lines  and  stanzas  that  seem  weak 
and  prosy  by  side  of  his  better  efforts.  The  poem  is 
made  heavy  by  their  presence.  True  also  is  it  that  in 
reading  Keble  one  is  sometimes  struck  by  the  effort, 
almost  painful,  to  give  unity  to  the  poem ;  but  still,  the 
whole  presents  a  finish  as  smooth  as  an  exquisite  mosaic. 

There  pervade  the  Christian  Year  a  uniformity  of 
tone  and  a  unity  of  design  that  are  lacking  in  the  Hymns. 

*  Life  and  Letters,  p.  300. 

t  Hymns,  No.  92.     Flowers  for  the  Altar,  p.  SIL 


FATHER  FABEES  HYMNS.  xi 

And  while  both  works  show  art-power,  Keble's  is  the 
more  sustained,  inasmuch  as  he  makes  the  whole  series 
of  his  compositions  subordinate  to  the  spirit  of  the 
Anglican  Prayer  Book.  Faber  writes  with  more  freedom 
and  desultoriness.  His  verses  possess  more  warmth,  fire 
and  energy.  He  sings  of  holy  things  in  a  spirit  of 
familiarity  that  is  born  of  an  intimate  union  with  God. 
He  is  impatient  with  those  who  fear  to  love  God  too  much. 
"It  is  so  grand,"  he  says  writing  to  a  nun,  "to  be 
allowed  to  say  daring  words  to  our  dearest,  dearest 
Lord."*  And  in  one  of  his  sweetest  and  simplest 
hymns  he  thus  alludes  to  the  puritanical  coldness  of 
the  forms  or  worship  outside  the  Church : 

"The  solemn  face,  the  downcast  eye, 

The  words  constrained  and  cold, — 
These  are  the  homage,  poor  at  best 
Of  those  outside  the  fold. 

They  know  not  how  our  God  can  play 

The  Babe's,  the  Brother's  part; 
They  dream  not  of  the  ways  He  has 

Of  getting  at  the  heart."  f 

Now  though  there  was  no  coldness  in  Keble's  own 
religion,  still  he  wrote  with  a  deference  that  is  sometimes 
painful.  One  feels  that  he  has  the  whole  truth  in  his 
grasp,  but  he  trembles  to  say  it.  He  is  writing  for 
readers  whom  he  knows  to  be  disposed  rather  to  sit  in 
judgment  on  him  than  to  receive  his  beautiful  Christian 
lessons  with  the  docility  of  learners  and  disciples.  His 
genius,  his  heart,  his  poetic  inspiration,  all  impel  him  to 
give  full  and  free  utterance  to  that  which  is  in  him; 
but  there  is  the  cold  and  stern  face  of  Anglicanism 
constantly  before  his  eyes,  holding  up  to  his  view  her 


*Life  and  Letters,  p.  432.        fTiue  Love,  No.  117,  p.  381. 


xil  FATHER  FABErJS  IIYMXS. 

standard  of  respectable  devotion  and  negative  teacliinir — 
and  forcing  him  to  strain  the  sense  of  a  Scrii)ture  text, 
and  to  put  footnotes  of  exphination,  even  of  apology.* 
No  such  hampering  thought  weighs  down  the  genius  0/ 
Faber.  He  not  only  sings  with  a  freedom  and  9 
familiarity  that  are  the  outcome  of  prayer  and  piety, 
but  he  sings  for  Catholics  who  know  not  the  stranger's 
reserve  in  their  Father's  House.  What,  for  instance, 
can  be  more  touching  than  the  verses  giving  the  poet's 
childhood  impressions  of  God  ? — 

"  They  bade  me  call  Thee  Father,  Lord  I 
Sweet  was  the  freedom  deemed. 
And  yet  more  like  a  mother's  ways 
Thy  quiet  mercies  seemed. 

*        *         *        *        * 

I  could  not  sleep  unless  Thy  Hand 

Were  underneath  my  head, 
That  I  might  kiss  it,  if  I  lay 

Wakeful  upon  my  bed."  f 

In  his  hymns  commemorating  the  saints,  the  poet 
makes  them  our  companions ;  he  strikes  the  bonds  of 
harmony  and  unison  between  them  and  us ;  his  words 
inspire  confidence  in  them.  And  we  feel  the  intimate 
union  there  is  between  heaven  and  earth.  But  it  is  in 
speaking  of  the  Queen  of  Saints  that  the  glow  in  his 
heart  especially  shines  in  his  verses.  Some  of  his  best 
and  strongest  flights  are  in  praise  of  the  Blessed  Virgin 
Mary.  His  devotion  to  her  is  unbounded.  He  knows 
that  such  great  love  is  displeasing  to  those  of  his  fellow- 


*See,  for  instance,  Hymn  for  Christmas  Day,  in  which  the 
autlicr  aj)olo<2;i/.cs  for  using  the  Catholic  Vulgate  version  of  the 
Gloi  ia  in  excelniH  Deo. 

t  No.  11.     The  God  of  my  Childhood,  p.  55. 


FATHER  FABER'S  HYMNS.  xiii 

men  outside  tae  Church.     But  hear  how  beautifully  he 
pleads  his  case : 

"  Bat  scornful  men  have  colfHy  said 
Thy  love  was  leading  me  froia  God; 
Antl  yet  in  this  I  did  but  tread 
Tiie  very  paths  my  Saviour  trod. 

They  know  but  little  of  thy  worth 

Who  s})eak  these  henrtless  words  to  me; 

For  what  did  Jesus  love  on  earth 
One  half  so  tenderly  as  thee?"  * 

*  Hymns.  No.  38,  p.  155.  There  has  been  published  in  New 
York  (E.  P.  Dutton  &  Co.)  an  edition  of  Father's  hymns,  muti- 
lated, marred  and  distorted  for  the  benefit  of  those  hatino;  the 
sweet  name  of  Mary.  Poems  are  given  as  Faber's,  with  stanzas 
omitted  and  lines  changed,  without  the  least  indication.  Now,  a 
poem  can  no  more  be  cut  up  without  destroying  its  beauty  and  its 
effect  than  can  a  picture  or  a  statue.  Let  us  take  an  instance  to 
show  how  far  the  iconoclastic  tendency  of  the  non-Catholic  edi- 
tor has  carried  him.  We  turn  to  the  poem  on  the  Descent  of  the 
Holy  Ghost.  In  the  first  stanzas  the  poet  represents  the  Blessed 
Virgin  Mary  as  the  central  figure  in  the  Upper  Room : 

*'  She  sat :  beneath  her  shadow  were 
The  Chosen  of  her  Son  ; 
Witijin  each  heart  and  ou  each  face 
Her  power  and  spirit  shone." 

The  mutilated  version  omits  nine  such  stanzas  at  the  begin- 
ning, *.jnd  all  in  order  to  eliminate  the  name  of  her  most  blessed 
among  women.  But  in  the  tenth,  with  which  this  version  opens, 
the  allusion  to  her  becomes  unintelligible,  and  makes  one  think 
that  the  poet  scarcely  knew  his  own  mind : 

His  unceated  freshness  fills 
His  bride  as  she  adores. 

Now,  the  omitted  stanzas  make  it  plain  that  Mary  is  the  bride 
here  meant.  But  prejudice  can  go  to  a  depth  still  deeper.  It  can 
place  in  the  mouth  of  the  elegant  Faber  such  English  as  this : 

"  One  moment — and  the  spirit  hung 
O'er  them  with  dread  desire; 
Then  broke  upon  the  heads  of  all 
In  cloven  tongues  of  fire." 


xiv  lAlliKll  FABEli'iS  Jil'MSS. 

But  the  class  of  poems  in  this  volume  that,  perhaps, 
will  give  most  universal  satisfaction  is  that  dealing 
with  the  spiritual  life  in  all  its  moods  and  phases. 
Faber  had  intimate  acquaintance  with  the  human  heart. 
Its  inmost  folds  were  all  familiar  to  him.     There  was 


When  the  poet  said  them,  he  said  all.  That  is  a  piece  of  tau- 
tology of  which  Faber  could  never  have  been  guilty.  Nor  did 
he  ever  write  it.  Mury  being  the  central  figure,  the  poet  pic- 
tured the  Holy  Spirit  first  hanging  over  her  "  with  dread  desire," 
and  then  breaking  upon  the  heads  of  all : 

One  moment— and  the  Spirit  hung 

O'er  her  witli  djead  di  >ire; 
Then  bi'oke  upon  the  h^■ads  of  all 

In  cloven  tongues  of  fire. 

This  stanza  says  quite  another  thing  from  the  version  given. 
Nor  is  this  all.  Still  another  specimen  of  prejudice's  patch- 
work.    Here  is  the  distorted  stanza : 

Those  tongues  still  speak  within  the  Church, 

That  Fire  is  uiuhcayed. 
Its  vvoll-spnufi  \va.>s  the  Upper  Room, 

Wliere  the  disciples  met  and  prayed. 

Note  the  discord  in  the  last  line.  It  spoils  the  whole  stanza. 
Nothing  could  be  weaker.  It  is  so  different  from  Faber's  usual 
clear-cut  style.     What  he  did  write  was  this : 

Its  well-spring  was  the  Upper  Room, 

Where  Mary  sat  and  prayed. 

This  last  line  gives  unity  and  beauty  to  the  whole  poem ;  for 
it  brings  the  imagination  back  to  the  point  fiom  which  the 
reader  started. 

Here,  then,  is  a  single  poem,  mutilated  beyond  recognition, 
nearly  half  of  it  omitted,  stanzas  altered  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
mar  the  beauty  of  the  whole;  and  the  poem  still  given  as  the 
author's  own.  And  this  is  only  one  among  many  sucli  in  the 
book  under  notice.  We  are  sure  that  taking  such  unwarranted 
liberties  with  the  poet,  is  as  offensive  to  the  sense  of  literary 
propriety  of  Protestants,  as  it  is  insulting  to  the  religious  feel- 
ings of  Catholics.  To  impose  such  pinchbeck  alloy  as  the 
author's  pure  gold,  is  a  piece  of  charlatanis-m  unworiiiy  of  a  pub- 
lishing firm  of  respectable  standing. 


J^'A  LHER  FABERS  HYMNS.  XV 

not  a  pulse  of  its  beating  that  he  did  not  know  how  to 
interpret.  His  pathos  could  strike  its  most  tender 
chords  *  His  insight  could  reach  its  most  hidden  re- 
cesses.f  And  he  not  only  knew  its  weaknesses,  but, 
skilful  physician  of  souls  that  he  was,  he  knew  also  how 
to  apply  the  remedy  to  all  its  ailments  and  diseases. 
Then,  his  treatment  is  always  soothing  and  encouraging. 
He  invariably  presents  the  bright  side  of  things.  He 
loves  to  bask  in  the  sunshine  of  God's  mercies;  even 
God's  justice  has  in  his  eyes  a  kindness  of  its  own: 

"  There's  a  wideness  in  God's  mercy 

Liive  the  wideness  of  the  sea; 

There's  a  kindness  in  His  justice, 

Which  is  more  than  liberty. 

There  is  no  place  where  earth's  sorrows 

Are  more  felt  than  up  in  heaven ; 
There  is  no  place  where  earth's  failings 

Have  such  kindly  judgment  given."  % 

These  Hymns  have  a  place  in  the  study  of  our  spirit- 
ual progress.  They  give  shape  to  our  religious  senti- 
ments and  make  palpable  the  vague  yearnings  of  our 
soul ;  they  elevate  our  views  of  heavenly  subjects  ;  they 
refine  our  grosser  conceptions  of  the  truths  and  myste- 
ries of  our  Faith ;  they  instil  into  our  hearts  an  under- 
tone of  Christian  music.  They  are  a  sweet  perfume 
exhaled  from  the  saintly  life  of  a  favored  soul. 

Brother  Azaeias. 

Rock  Hill  Collkge, 

May  1,  18S0. 


*  See,  for  instance,  that  pathetic  poem  on  the  death  of  a  child. 
No.  146,  p.  488. 

t  See  No.  143,  p.  474. 

J  No.  102.  Come  to  Jesus.  W'th  this  poem  contrast  the  rigid 
doctrine  of  Keble  .'\n  the  Hymn  for  the  second  Sunday  in  Lent. 


AUTHOR'S  PREFACE 

Ko  l^c  ^oubon  (Bbilion  of  1861. 

Tlie  present  collection  of  Hymns  was  first  published  in  1848, 
at  Derby,  and  sold  largely  both  in  England  and  Ireland.  It 
consisted  then  of  a  very  few  Hymns.  It  appeared  again  in 
London  in  1849,  very  much  enlarged,  and  under  the  title  of 
"Jesus  and  Mary."  The  thousand  copies  were  sold;  and  in 
1852  a  fresh  edition,  still  further  enlargeil,  containing  sixty-six 
hymns,  was  published.  The  edition  consisted  of  ten  thousand 
copies.  This  was  followed  in  1854  by  another  edition,  called 
"The  Oratory  Hymn  Book,"  and  containing  seventy-seven 
Hymns.  This  omitted  some  of  the  previous  Hymns,  and  gave 
only  select  verses  of  others;  but  it  also  contained  many  which 
were  altogether  new.  Moreover,  at  the  request  of  a  publisher, 
a  penny  Hymn  Book,  a  selection  from  the  others,  was  pub- 
lished, and  sold  largely,  under  the  title  of  *'  Hymns  for  the 
People."  Since  then  leave  has  been  given  to  the  compilers  of 
about  a  score  of  Hymn  Books  to  reprint  several  of  these  Hymns 
in  their  collections. 

Thus  at  the  present  time  there  is  no  single  book  which  con- 
tains all  the  Hymns.  Moreover,  the  different  compilers  of 
other  Hymn  Books  have  themselves,  often  with  permission, 
sometimes  without,  altered  the  language  or  metre  or  choruses 
of  the  Hymns,  either  to  suit  their  own  taste,  or  to  accommodate 
them  to  particular  tunes.  In  one  instance  the  doctrine  has 
been  changed,  and  the  Author  is  made  to  express  an  opinion 
with  which  he  is  quite  out  of  sympathy.  In  many  cases  the 
literary  or  metrical  changes  have  not  been  such  as  met  the 
Author's  own  judgment  and  taste.  Nevertheless  Hymns  are 
purely  practical  things,  and  he  was  only  too  glad  that  his  com- 
positions should  be  of  any  service,  and  he  has  in  no  one  instance 
refused  either  to  Catholics  or  Protestants  the  free  use  of  them : 
only  in  the  case  of  Protestants  he  has  made  it  a  rule  to  stipulate, 
wherever  an  opportunity  has  been  given  him,  that,  while 
omissions  might  be  made,  no  direct  alterations  should  be 
attempted.  Hence  lie  wishes  to  say  that  he  is  not  responsible 
for  any  of  the  Hymns  in  any  other  form,  literary  or  doctrinal, 
than  that  in  which  they  appear  in  this  Edition. 

This  is  a  perfect  collection  of  the  Hymns,  the  only  one;  but 
it  contains  also  an  addition  of  fifty-six  new  Hymns,  fulfilling 
with  tolerable  accuracy  his  original  conception  of  what  the 
Hymn  Book  should  be  and  should  contain.  It  is  published  in 
its  present  shipe,  not  only  as  the  Author's  text  and  as  a  library 
edition,  matching  the  1857  edition  of  his  Poems,  but  chiefly  as 

xvi 


PREFACE  TO  THE  EDITION  OF  1S61.      xvii 

a  book  of  spiritual  reading.  It  has  been  asked  for  very  urgently 
and  for  some  years  by  several  persons,  who  have  to  do  Avith 
ministering  to  those,  with  whom,  from  their  being  in  sickness 
or  in  sorrow,  the  effort  of  following  a  connected  prose  book  is 
hardly  to  be  expected. 

A  few  words  should  be  said  on  the  arrangement  of  the 
Hymns.  The  original  idea  was  that  they  should  follow  the 
order  of  Catholic  systems  of  dogmatic  theology,  with  such  por- 
tions of  ascetical  and  mystical  theology  as  should  be  practical. 
This  idea  has  been  carried  out  as  faithfully  as  the  nature  of  the 
work  permitted;  and  it  has  engrossed  much  of  the  Author's 
time  and  attention  for  now  more  than  thirteen  years.  The 
Collection  is  therefore  divided  into  seven  parts.  The  first  con- 
tains Hymns  on  God,  His  Attributes,  and  the  Three  Persons 
of  the  Adorable  Trinity.  The  second  treats  of  the  Sacred 
Humanity  of  Jesus,  and  the  mysteries  of  the  Thirty-Three 
Years.  The  third  furnishes  Hymns  for  the  festivals  of  our 
Blessed  Lady,  St.  Joseph,  and  the  Holy  Family,  and  for  the 
Devotions  in  honor  of  them.  The  fourth  part  contains  the 
Hymns  addressed  to  the  Angels  and  Saints,  while  the  fifth  is 
concerned  with  the  Sacraments,  the  Faith,  and  the  Spiritual 
Life.  This  last  is  treated  of  from  the  conversion  of  a  sinner 
and  his  first  ordinary  piety  to  some  of  the  trials,  consolations, 
and  experiences  of  the  soul  aiming  at  perfection.  The  sixth 
part  consists  only  of  seven  Hymns,  which  are  entitled  Miscel- 
laneous. They  are  meant  to  express  the  Christian's  devout 
view  of  external  things,  such  as  the  World,  the  Poor,  and  the 
Phenomena  of  Nature ;  and  to  some  of  them  the  title  of  Hymns 
can  only  be  given  in  a  large  sense.  The  seventh  part  is  occu- 
pied with  what  theology  calls  the  Novissima,  or  Last  Things ; 
and  the  Hymns,  which  deal  with  devotion  to  the  dead,  with 
sorrow,  and  with  the  consolation  of  the  sorrowful,  are  naturally 
classed  with  those  on  death,  the  future  state,  eternity,  and  the 
joys  of  heaven.  All  readers  will  probably  in  each  part  miss 
some  subject  which  their  particular  devotion  would  have 
desired  to  find  there.  But  obviously  the  task  might  be  an  end- 
less one ;  and  it  is  not  unlikely,  that,  as  it  is,  the  collection  will 
be  considered  rather  too  copious  than  too  scanty. 

It  is  an  immense  mercy  of  God  to  allow  any  one  to  do  the 
least  thing  which  brings  souls  nearer  to  Him.  Each  man  feels 
for  himself  the  peculiar  wonder  of  that  mercy  in  his  own  case. 
That  our  Blessed  Lord  has  permitted  these  Hymns  to  be  of  some 
trifling  good  to  souls,  and  so  in  a  very  humble  way  to  contribute 
to  His  glory,  is  to  the  Author  a  source  of  profitable  confusion  as 
well  as  of  unmerited  consolation. 

Filey, 

The  Feast  of  the  Transfiguration, 

1861. 

9>:< 


ArTHOR'S  PREFACE 

^0   iht   ©biHoiT   of  1849. 

The  following  Ilvmns  do  not,  as  will  be  seen,  form  anything 
like  a  })erfect  collection,  but  are  given  as  a  specimen  of  a  much 
larger  and  more  complete  work.  The  Author  has  had  a  double 
end  in  view  in  the  composition  of  them;  first,  to  furnish  some 
simple  and  original  hymns  for  singing;  secondly,  to  provide 
English  Catholics  with  a  hymn-book  for  reading,  in  the  sim- 
plest and  least  involved  metres;  and  both  these  objects  have 
not  unfrequently  required  considerable  sacrifice  in  a  literary 
point  of  view. 

When  God  raised  up  our  dear  and  blessed  Father  St.  Philip, 
St.  Ignatius,  and  St.  Teresa,  and  gave  them  to  His  Church  just 
as  the  heresy  of  Protestantism  was  beginning  to  devastate 
the  world,  those  three  Saints  seem  to  have  had  distinct  depart- 
ments assigned  to  them.  All  of  them,  eacli  in  a  different  way, 
met  the  subjectivity,  the  self-introverted  habit  of  mind,  which 
was  then  coming  uppermost,  and  thus  rendered  modern  Catholi- 
cism the  great  object  of  our  study  and  the  model  for  our  imita- 
tion, as  being  peculiarly  fashioned,  and  that  by  the  hands  of 
Saints,  for  the  warfare  of  these  latter  ages.  St.  Teresa  repre- 
sents the  common  sense,  the  discreet  enthusiasm,  of  devotion 
and  the  interior  life,  which  distinguishes  Catholic  asceticism 
and  the  mysticism  of  the  Saints  from  the  fanatical  vagaries  of 
the  heretics.  St.  Ignatius,  without  debarring  his  children  from 
any  lield  of  labor,  took  in  a  special  way  the  education  of  Europe 
and  the  evangelization  of  distant  lands  for  his  department,  and 
represented  in  the  Church  the  principle  of  faith.  St.  Philip 
devised  a  changeful  variety  of  spiritual  exercises  and  recrea- 
tions, which  gathered  round  him  the  art  and  literature,  as  well 
as  the  piety  of  Rome,  and  was  eminently  qualified  to  meet  the 
increased  appetite  for  the  Word  of  God,  for  services  in  the 
vernacular,  for  hymn-singing  and  prayer-meetings.  Sanctity 
in  the  world,  perfection  at  home,  high  attainments  in  common 
earthly  callings — such  was  the  principal  end  of  his  apostolate. 
lie  met  the  gloom  and  sourness  and  ungainly  stifl^ness  of  tlie 
puritan  element  of  Protestantism  by  cheerfulness  and  })layful 
manners,  which  he  ensured,  not  in  any  human  way,  but  by 
leaving  to  his  children  the  frequcntation  of  the  Sacraments  as 
fhe  chief  object  of  their  preaching,  and  their  chief  counsel  in 
tiie  spiritual  direction  of  others;  and  he  represented  in  the 
C'hurch  the  principle  o.^  love.  St.  Ignatius  was  the  St.  Dominic, 
St.  Philip  the  St.  Francis  of  his  age.      A\'hat  was  mediaeval 

xviii 


PREFACE  TO  THE  EDITION  OF  1S49.        xix 

and  suited  to  the  mediseval  state  of  things  passed  away,  and 
there  appeared  at  the  Chiesa  Nuova  and  the  Gesu  the  less 
poetical,  but  thoroughly  practical  elements  of  modern  times, 
the  common  sense  which  works  and  wears  so  well  in  this 
prosaic  world  of  ours. 

It  was  natural  then  that  an  English  son  of  St.  Philip  should 
feel  the  want  of  a  collection  of  English  Catholic  hymns  fitted 
for  singing.  The  few  in  the  Garden  of  the  Soul  were  all  that 
were  at  hand,  and  of  course  they  were  not  numerous  enough 
to  furnish  the  requisite  variety.  As  to  translations,  they  do 
not  express  Saxon  thoughts  and  feelings,  and  consequently  the 
poor  do  not  seem  to  take  to  them.  The  domestic  wants  of  the 
Oratory,  too,  kept  alive  the  feeling  that  something  of  the  sort 
was  needed ;  though  at  the  same  time,  the  Author's  ignorance 
of  music  appeared  in  some  measure  to  disqualify  him  for  the 
work  of  supplying  the  defect.  Eleven,  however,  of  the  hymns 
were  written,  most  of  them  for  particular  tunes  and  on  par- 
ticular occasions,  and  became  very  popular  with  a  country 
congregation.  They  were  afterwards  printed  for  the  schools  at 
St.  AVilfrid's,  and  the  very  numerous  applications  to  the  printer 
for  them  seemed  to  show  that  people  were  anxious  to  have 
Catholic  hymns  of  any  sort.  The  MS.  of  the  present  volume 
was  submitted  to  a  musical  friend,  who  replied  that  certain 
verses  of  all  or  nearly  all  the  hymns  would  do  for  singing :  and 
this  encouragement  has  led  to  its  publication. 

This,  however,  as  the  length  and  character  of  many  of  the 
hymns  will  show,  was  not  the  only  object  of  the  volume. 
There  is  scarcely  anything  which  takes  so  strong  a  hold  upon 
people  as  religion  in  metre,  hymnS  or  poems  on  doctrinal  sub- 
jects. Every  one,  who  has  had  experience  among  the  English 
poor,  knows  the  influence  of  Wesley's  Hymns  and  the  Olney 
Collection.  Less  than  moderate  literary  excellence,  a  very 
tame  versification,  indeed  often  the  simple  occurrence  of  a 
rhyme  is  suflScient:  the  spell  seems  to  lie  in  that.  Catholics 
even  are  said  to  be  sometimes  found  poring  with  a  devout  and 
unsuspecting  delight  over  the  verses  of  the  Olney  Hymns, 
which  the  Author  himself  can  remember  acting  like  a  spell 
upon  him  for  years,  strong  enough  to  be  for  long  a  counter 
influence  to  very  grave  convictions,  and  even  now  to  come 
back  from  time  to  time  unbidden  into  the  mind.  The  Welsh 
Hymn-book  is  in  two  goodly  volumes,  and  helps  to  keep  alive 
the  well-known  Welsh  fanaticism.  The  German  Hymn-book, 
with  its  captivating  double  rhymes,  outdoes  Luther's  Bible,  as 
a  support  of  the  now  decaying  cause  of  Protestantism  in  the 
land  of  its  birth.  The  Cantiques  of  the  French  Missions  and 
the  Laudi  Spirituali  of  Italy  are  reckoned  among  the  necessary 
weapons  of  the  successful  missionary ;  and  it  would  seem  that 
the  Oratory,  with  its  "  perpetual  domestic  mission,"  first  led 


XX         PREFACE  TO  THE  EDITION  OF  IS 40. 

the  way  in  this  matter.  St.  Alphonso,  the  pupil  of  St.  Philip's 
Neapolitan  children,  and  himself  once  under  a  vow  to  join 
them,  used  to  sing  his  own  hymns  in  the  pulpit  before  the 
sermon.  It  seemed  then  in  every  way  desirable  that  Catholics 
should  have  a  hymn-book  for  reading,  which  should  contain 
the  mysteries  of  the  .faith  in  easy  verse,  or  difierent  stales  of 
heart  and  conscience  depicted,  with  the  same  unadorned  sim- 
plicity, for  example,  as  the  "()  for  a  closer  walk  with  God"  of 
the  Olney  Hymns ;  and  that  the  metres  should  be  of  the  simplest 
and  least  intricate  sort,  so  as  not  to  stand  in  the  way  of  the 
understanding  or  enjoyment  of  the  poor ;  and  this  has  always 
been  found  to  be  the  case  with  anything  like  elaborate  metre, 
however  simple  the  diction  and  touching  the  thoughts  might 
be.  The  means  of  influence  which  one  school  of  Protestantism 
has  in  Wesley's,  Newton's,  and  C'owper's  hynms,  and  another 
in  the  more  refined  and  engaging  works  of  Oxford  writers,  and 
which  foreign  Catholics  also  enjoy  in  the  Cantiques  and  Laudi, 
are,  at  present  at  least,  unfortunately  wanting  to  us  in  our  labors 
among  the  hymn-loving  English. 

The  kind  reader  is  requested  then  to  consider  these  Hymns 
as  a  sample  upon  which  the  Author  wishes  to  invite  criticism, 
with  a  view  to  future  composition,  if  sufficient  leisure  should 
ever  be  allowed  him  for  such  labor ;  and  they  may  perhaps  be 
permitted,  provisionally  at  least,  to  stand  in  the  gap,  which 
they  may  not  be  fitted  permanently  to  fill,  in  our  popular 
Catholic  literature. 

F.  W.  FABEK, 

Friest  of  the  Oraiory  qfSt.  Philip  Neri» 
The  Oratory,  London, 
Feast  of  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus, 


CONTENTS. 


PART  FIRST.— God  and  the  Most  Holy  Trinity. 


1.  The  Unity  of  God,     . 

2.  The  Holy  Trinity,     . 

3.  Majesty  Divine,    .    . 

4.  God, 

5.  The  Eternity  of  God, 

6.  The  Greatness  of  God, 

7.  The  Will  of  God,  .    . 

8.  The  Eternal  Father, 

9.  Our  Heavenly  Father, 
10.  My  Father,  .... 


PART  SECOND, 


19. 

20. 
21. 
22. 
23. 
24. 
25. 
26. 

27! 
28. 


The  Life  of  our  Lord 
Christmas  Night, 
The  Infant  Jesus, 
The  Three  Kings, 
The  Purification, 

Lent, 

The  Agony,  .    .    . 

Jesus  Crucified,     . 

From  pain  to  pain, 

The  Precious  Blood, 

Blood  is  the  Price  of  Heaven, 


PAGE 

.  27 
.  28 
.  32 
.  34 
.  37 
.  40 
.  42 
.  45 
.  50 
.    52 


NO.  PAGE 

11.  The  God  of  my  Childhood,    .    .  55 

12.  The  Eternal  Word, 59 

13.  Jesus  is  God, 62 

14.  Jesus  my  God  and  my  All,    .    .  60 

15.  The  Eternal  Spirit, 67 

16.  Veni  Creator, 71 

17.  Veni  Sancte  Spiritus,    ....  72 

18.  Holy  Ghost,  come  down  upon 

Thy  children, 74 


—The  Sacred  Humanity  op  Jesus. 


79  29.  We  come  to  Thee,  sweet  Saviour,  120 

95  30.  The  Descent  of  Jesus  to  Limbus,  123. 

98  31,  Jesus  Risen, 125 

101  32.  The  Apparition  of  Jesus  to  our 

105  Blessed  Lady, 128 

107  33.  The  Ascension, 131 

109  34.  Pentecost, 135 

113  35.  The  Descent  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  139 

115  36.  Corpus  Christi 143 

116  37.  The  Sacred  Heart, 146 

117 


PART  THIRD.— Our  Blessed  Lady,  St.  Joseph,  and  the  Holy  Family. 


To  our  Blessed  Lady,    ....  155  51. 

The  Immaculate  Conception,    .  156  52. 

Sine  labe  original!  Concepta,     .159  53. 

Immaculate!  Immaculate!    .    .  161  54. 

The  Nativity  of  our  Lady,     .    .165  55. 

Our  Lady's  Presentation,      .    .  170  56. 

Our  Lady's  Expectation,  .    .    .172  57. 

The  Happy  Gate  of  Heaven,     .175  58. 

The  Dolors  of  our  Lady,    .    .    .177  59. 

The  Assumption, 178 

Marv,  our  Mother,  reigns  on  60. 

high 181  61. 

The  Grandeurs  of  Mary.   ...  183  62. 

The  Immaculate  Heart  of  63. 

Mary, 187  64. 


Month  of  May, 190 

Oh!  Balmy  and  Bright,  .  .  .194 
Mary  the  Flower  of  Heaven,  .  196 
Sweet  Mother-Maid,  ....  200 
Consolatrix  Afflictorum,  .  ,  .  202 
The  Queen  of  Purgatory,  .  .  .204 
For  our  Lady's  Minor  Feasts,  .  206 
A  Daily  Hymn  to  Mary,  .  .  .209 
The  Orphan's  Consecration  to 

Mary, 212 

St.  Joseph, 214 

The  Paironage  of  St.  Joseph,  .  215 
St.  Joseph  our  Father,  .    ,    .    .217 

The  Holy  Family 219 

The  Banner  of  the  Holy  Family,  222 


PART  FOURTH.— Angels  and  Saints. 


35.  The  Creation  of  the  Angels,     .  229 

36.  St.  Michael, 231 

37.  St.  Gabriel, 235 

58.  St.  Raphael, 239 

59.  The  Guardian  Angel,    ....  243 

70.  St.  Peter  and  St.  Paul,       .    .    .246 

71.  St.  John  the  Evangelist,    .    .    .247 

72.  St.  Anne, 250 

73.  St.  Mary  Magdalene,     ....  253 

74.  St.  Martha, 256 

7.5.  St.  Benedict, 259 

76.  St.  Innocence, 261 

77.  St.  Patrick's  Day,      ...        .264 


78.  St.  Wilfrid, 266 

79.  St.  Philip  Neri, 269 

80.  St.  Philip  in  England,  .    .    .    .273 

81.  St.  Philip's  Penitents 277 

82.  St.  Philip's  Picture, 279 

83.  St  Philip's  Charitv,      ....  282 

84.  St.    Philip   and    the    Middle 

Ages, 284 

85.  St.  Philip  and  St.  Martin,      ,    .  285 

86.  St.  Phili|)'s  Death 289 

87.  St.  Philip's  Home,  .    .     .       295 

88.  Evening  Hymr  at  tb»»  Oratory   298 

89.  St.  Vincens  of  Paui,      ....  800 

xxi 


XXll 


CONTEXTS. 


PAKT  FIFl'II.— TiTR  Sacraments,  thk  Faith,  and  the  Spiritual  Life. 


NO. 

90. 
91. 

92. 

94! 

95. 

9(). 

97. 

98. 

99. 
100. 
101. 
102. 
10:}. 

104! 
105. 
1U6. 
107. 


Holy  Otinmunion 

Thanksgiving    alter    Coruruu- 

niou,      

Flowei-s  for  the  Altar,  .  .  . 
Faith  of  our  Fathers,  .  .  . 
The  siinie  Ilvnin  lor  Ireland, 
TheThoiight'oi  (iod,  .    .    .    . 

The  Fear  of  God, 

Peevishness, 

I'redestination, 

The  Right  must  win,  .    .    .    . 

Desire  of  (iod, 

School  Hymn, 

The  True  Shepherd,    .    .    .    . 

Come  to  Jesus, 

fnvitation  to  the  Mission,  .  . 
The  same  Hymn  for  Ireland,  . 

The  Wages  of  Sin, 

A  Good  Confession,  .  .  .  . 
The  Act  of  Contrition,  .  .  . 
Conversion, 


307 

309 
311 
313 
315 
317 
320 
323 
327 
330 
334 
338 
340 
342 
345 
347 
349 
351 
353 
356 


NO.  t 

108.  The  Work  of  Grace,     .    .    .    . 

109.  Forgiveness  of  Injuries,  .    .    . 
no.  The  World, 

111.  The  Knd  ol  Man, 

112.  Tiie  Remembrance  of  Mercy, 

113.  The  Christian's  Song  on  his 

march  to  Heaven,      .... 

114.  Fight  lor  Sion, 

115.  Perfection,       

116.  The  Gifts  of  God, 

117.  True  Love,       

118.  Self-love 

119.  Harsh  Judgments, 

120.  Distractions  in  Prayer,    .    .    . 

121.  Sweetness  in  Prayer 

122.  Dryness  in  Prayer,      .... 

123.  The  Pain  of  Love, 

124.  Low  Spirits, 

125.  Light  in  Darkness 

126.  Divine  Favors 


359 
361 
363 
366 
368 

370 
372 
375 
378 
381 
386 
389 
394 
397 
400 
404 
406 
409 
412 


PART  SIXTH.— Miscellaneous. 


131.  The  Starry  Skies 480 

1.''2.  The  Sorrowful  World,     .    .    .  4:« 
133.  Autumn, 440 


127.  The  Unbelieving  World,      .    .  417 

128.  The  Old  Laborer, 420 

129.  The  Emigrant's  Song, ....  423 

130.  Music, 425 

PART  SEVENTH.— The  Last  Things. 

134.  The  Memory  of  the  Dead,   .    .  445  143.  Deep  Grief, 474 

1.35.  The  Eternal  Years,      .    .    .    .  447  144.  (iiiaf  and  Loss, 478 

136.  Alter  a  Death 450  145.  The  Shadow  uf  the  Rock,    .     .484 

137.  The  Pilgrims  of  the  Night,      .  455  146.  A  Child's  Death, 483 

138.  Wishes  about  Death,   ....  457  147.  The  Land  beyond  the  Sea,     .  491 
f39.  The  Paths  of  Death 460  148.  The  Shore  of  Eternity,    .    .    .494 

140.  The  Length  of  Death,      .    .    .  463  149.  Paradise, 497 

141.  The  House  of  Mourning,    .    .466  150.  Heaven, 499 

142.  The  Violence  of  Grief,    .    .    .471 


INDEX  OF  FIRST  LINES. 


Ah  dearest  Ix):d  !  I  cannot  pray,     . 

Alas:  o'er  Erin's  lessening  shoves. 

All  hail!  dear  Conqueror !  all  hail! 

All  praise  to  Saint  Patrick,  who  brought  to  our  mountains 

All  ve  who  love  the  ways  of  sin, 

AhVie!  to  la!:d  aiom  upon  that  shore! 

Amid  tlie  eternal  silences, 

Ai  last  Thou  art  come,  little  Sav'our, 

Autumn  (juce  moie  begins  to  teach, 

lilcsi  is  the  l-'ailh,  divii  e  and  stio.  g, 

Blo(»d  is  the  price  of  iieaven,     . 

Pv  the  siuiug  of  God's  Compassions, 

Ciiristians!  to  the  war!     . 

Come!  Holy  Spirit!  from  the  height. 

Day  breaks  on  temple-roo  s  and  towers 

DaV  set  oil  Rome:  its  golden  morn, 

Days,  weeks,  and  months  liave  gone,  0  Lord 

Dear  Angel  I  ever  at  my  side, 

Dear  Father  Pliiiip!  hJlySira! 


HYMN 

PAGE 

120 

394 

129 

423 

31 

125 

77 

264 

83 

282 

148 

494 

12 

59 

20 

95 

133 

440 

113 

370 

28 

117 

68 

239 

114 

372 

17 

72 

43 

170 

86 

289 

143 

474 

69 

243 

79 

269 

INDEX  OF  FIRST  LINES.  xxiii 

HYMN  PACK 

Dear  Husband  of  Mary!  dear  Nurse  of  her  Child!       ....  61  215 

Dear  Little  One!  how  sweet  Thou  art, 21  98 

Dear  Little  Saint !  sweet  Innocence! 76  261 

Fair  are  the  portals  of  the  day, 45  175 

Faith  of  our  Fathers!  living  still, 93  313 

Father  and  God !  mine  endless  doom, 97  327 

Father  !  Creator !  Lord  Most  High ! 19  79 

Father  of  many  children !  in  the  gloom, 75  259 

Father !  the  sweetest,  dearest  Name, 8  45 

Fever,  and  fret,  and  aimless  stir, 124  4-6 

Fountain  of  Love !  Thyself  true  God ! 15  67 

From  pain  to  pain,  from  woe  to  woe, 26  1^3 

From  the  highest  heights  of  glory, 73  253 

Full  of  glory,  full  of  wonders, 3  32 

(jloom  gathered  round  us  every  hour, 141  466 

God  of  mercy,  let  us  run, 46  177 

Hail,  bright  Archangel !  Prince  of  heaven, 66  231 

Hail,  Gabriel!  hail!  a  thousand  Hails, 67  235 

Hail!  holy  Joseph,  hail! 60  214 

Hail!  holy  Wilfred,  hail! 78  266 

Hail,  Jesus!  Hail!  who  for  my  sake, 27  116 

Hark!  hark!  my  soul  I  angelic  songs  are  swelling,       ....  137  455 

Have  mercy  on  us,  God  Most  High, 4  34 

Holy  Ghost!  come  down  upon  Thy  children, 18  74 

How  gently  flow  the  silent  years, ,85  288 

How  pleasant  are  thy  paths,  O  Death ! 139  460 

How  shalt  thou  hear  the  Cross,  that  now 135  447 

How  the  light  of  heaven  is  stealing, 108  359 

I  come  to  Thee  once  more,  my  God, Ill  366 

I  heard  the  wild  beasts  in  the  woods  complain, 132  435 

I  was  waudei'ing  anci  weary, 101  340 

I  wish  to  have  no  wishes  left, 138  457 

I  worship  Thee,  sweet  Will  of  God, 7  42 

In  pulses  deep  ot  threefold  Love, 65  229 

Is  this  returning  life  that  thrills, 126  412 

It  is  no  earthly  summer's  ray, 70  246 

Jesus,  gentlest  Saviour! 91  309 

Jesus  is  God!    The  solid  earth, 13  62 

Jesus !  my  Lord,  my  God,  my  All ! 36  14S 

Jesus!  why  dost  Thou  love  me  so? 123  404 

Joy!  Joy!  the  Mother  comes, 23  105 

Joy  of  my  heart !  O  let  me  pay, 51  190 

Like  the  dawning  of  the  morning, 44  172 

Like  the  voiceless  starlight  falling, 55  202 

Lord!  art  Thou  weary  of  my  cry, 144  478 

Mary!  dearest  Mother! 58  209 

Mother  Mary!  At  thine  altar, 69  212 

Mother  of  God !  we  hail  thy  Heart, 50  187 

Mother  of  Mercy  !  day  bv  day, 38  155 

My  fear  of  Thee.  0  Lord,'exults 95  326 

My  God  I  how  wonderful  Thou  art, 9  50 

My  God!  who  art  nothing  but  mercv  and  kindness,   ....  106  353 

My  Soul!  what  hast  thou  done  for  God! 116  378 

No  track  is  on  the  sunny  sky, 34  135 

Now  are  the  days  of  humblest  prayer, 24  107 

O  Anne!  thou  liadst  lived  through  those  long  drearv  vears,      ,        .  72  25it 

O  Blessed  Father!  sent  by  God,        ...."...,  89  300 

O  Blessed  Trinity ! 2  23 

0  come,  Creator  Spirit!  come, 16  71 

0  dear  Saint  Martha!  busy  Saint, 74  256 

0  Faith  !  thou  workest  miracles,     ........  107  356 

O  Flower  of  (irace!  divinest  Flower!      .......  53  196 

O  God!  that  I  could  be  with  Thee, 96  323 

O  God !  Thy  power  is  wonderful, 10  62 

OGod!  who  wert  my  childhood's  love, 11  55 

O  God!  whose  thoughts  are  brightest  light, 119  389 


XXIV 


INDEX  OF  Fin^T  LINES. 


()  happy  Flowers  I  O  happy  Flowers! 

O.Tcsusl  (iixl  and  Man  I     .... 

O. Jesus  I  if  in  (lays  pone  hy, 

0  Jesus, Jesus!  dearest  Lord!  . 

O  Lord!  my  heart  is  sick, 

()  Lord!  when  1  look  o'er  the  wide-spreading  woi 

()  Maji'sty  unspeakable  and  dread! 

()  Mary  !  Mother  Mary  !  our  tears  are  fallint;  fast 

()  luertiful  Father!  the  blow  that  we  learcd, 

t)  nii^'lity  Mothi'r!  wliy  that  light, 

O  Motlie'rl  I  could  weep  lor  mirth, 

OMoiiier!  will  it  alwavs  be,     .... 

O  Paradise!    ()  Paradise!  .... 

()  purest  of  creatures!  sweet  Mother!  sweet  Maid 

O  tiueen  of  t^orrows!  raise  thine  ej'es,    . 

O  Soul  of  .lesus,  sick  to  death  !        .        .        . 

O  vision   bright! 

Oh!  I)aliny  aiid  bright  as  moonlit  night. 

Oh  come  and  mourn  with  me  awhile!     . 

Oh  come  to  the  merciful  Saviour  who  calls  you, 

Oh  do  you  hear  tliat  voice  from  heaven, 

Oh  for  freedom,  for  freedom  in  worshipping  God, 

Oh  for  the  happy  days  gone  by,        ... 

Oh  how  the  thoughtof  liod  attracts, 

Oh  I  could  go  through  all  life's  troubles  singing, 

Oh  it  is  hard  to  work  for  God,  .... 

Oh  it  is  sweet  to  think, 

O  turn  to  Jesus,  Mother!  turn, 

Oh  what  are  the  wagis  of  sin,  .... 

Oh  what  IS  this  splendor  that  beams  on  me  now 

One(Jnd!  one  Majesty! 

Once  in  the  simple  thought  of  God, 

Pining  for  old  poetic  times,       .... 

Praise,  praise  to  .lesus,  Joseph,  Mary,      .        . 

Saint  of  1  he  Sacred  Heart 

Saint  Philip  came  from  the  sunny  South, 

Saint  Pliilii)!  I  have  never  known, 

See!  the  sun  beyond  the  hill,    .... 

Sing,  sing,  ye  Angel  Bands,       .... 

Souls  of  men  !  why  will  ve  scatter,  . 

Summer  suns  for  ever  sliining. 

Sweet  Saint  Philip!  thou  hast  won  us,    . 

Sweet  Saviour!  bless  us  ere  we  go,  . 

Sweet  Saviour!  take  me  by  the  hand, 

That  nuisic  breathes  all  through  my  spirit,   . 

The  chains  that  have  Imiind  me  an;  (lung  to  the  ^ 

The  day,  the  happy  day,  is  dawning, 

The  grief  that  was  delayed  so  long, 

The  hmd  beyond  the  Sea!        .... 

The  n)oon  is'  in  the  heavens  above, 

I  he  Shadow  of  the  Rock, 

The  starry  skies,  they  rest  my  soul, 
Ihe  thoughtof  (iod.ihe  th<tught  of  Thee,     . 
Theie  are  many  saints  alxtve,  .... 
Think  well  how  Jesus  trusts  himself, 
To  arms!  to  arms!  for  (iod  our  King!     . 
Thou  touchest  us  lightlv,  ()  (iod!  in  our  grief, 
Thousands  of  years  had  come  and  gone, 
Unchanging  and  unchangeable  before  angelic 
We  come  to  Thee,  sweet  Saviour!     . 

What  end  doth  he  fuHil 

What  is  this  grandeur  1  see  up  in  heaven, 
Wlio  are  these  that  ride  so  fast  o'er  the  desert's  s; 
Why  art  thou  sorrow  ful,  servant  of  God  ? 
Why  dost  thou  beat  so  (juick,  my  heart  ? 
WhV  i-  Ihv  face  so  lit  with  smiles,   . 


Id, 


ind 


eyes. 


ndy 


HYMN 

DU 

100 

110 

14 

5 

127 

6 

87 

142 

85 

41 

57 

149 

39 

32 

25 

48 

52 

26 

103 

109 

99 

122 

115 

118 

98 

134 

56 

104 

150 

1 

125 

84 

63 

71 

80 

82 

92 

47 

102 

42 

81 

88 

140 

130 

105 

40 

136 

147 

54 

145 

131 

94 

62 

117 

64 

146 

30 

37 

29 

128 

49 

22 

112 

121 

33 


part  flv6t 


HYMIN^S    1  —  1  8. 


GOD  AND  THE  MOST  HOLY  TPJNITY. 


HYMNS. 


1. 

THE  UNITY  OF  GOD. 

1. 

One  God  !  one  Majesty  ! 
There  is  no  God  bat  Thee  ! 
Unbounded,  unextended  Unity  ! 

2. 

Awful  in  unity, 

O  God  !  we  worship  Thee, 

More  simply  one,  because  supremely  Three ! 

3. 

Dread,  unbeginning  One ! 

Single,  yet  not  alone. 

Creation  hath  not  set  Thee  on  a  higher  thront. 

4. 

Unfathomable  Sea ! 

All  life  is  out  of  Thee, 

And  Thy  life  is  Thy  blissful  Unity. 

27 


28  THE  HOLY  TRINITY. 

5. 

All  things  that  from  Thee  run, 

All  works  that  Thou  hast  done, 

Thou  didst  in  honor  of  Thy  being  One. 

6. 

And  by  Thy  being  One, 

Ever  by  that  alone, 

Couldst  Thou  do,  and  doest,  what  Thou  hast  done. 

7. 

We  from  Thy  oneness  come. 

Beyond  it  cannot  roam, 

And  in  Thy  oneness  find  our  one  eternal  home. 

8. 
Blest  be  Thy  Unity  ! 
All  joys  are  one  to  me, — 
The  joy  that  there  can  be  no  other  God  than  Thee ! 


2. 

THE  HOLY  TRINITY. 

1. 

O  Blessed  Trinity  ! 
Thy  children  dare  to  lift  their  hearts  to  Thee, 
And  bless  Thy  triple  Majesty  ! 
Holy  Trinity  ! 
Blessed  Equal  Three, 
One  God,  we  praise  Thee. 


THE  HOLY  TRINITY.  29 

2. 

O  Blessed  Trinity  ! 
Holy,  unfathomable,  infinite, 

Thou  art  all  Life  and  Love  and  Light. 
Holy  Trinity ! 
Blessed  Equal  Three, 
One  God,  we  praise  Thee. 

3. 
O  Blessed  Trinity ! 
God  of  a  thousand  attributes  !  we  see 
That  there  is  no  one  good  but  Thee. 
Holy  Trinity  ! 
Blessed  Equal  Three, 
One  God,  we  praise  Thee. 

4. 

O  Blessed  Trinity  ! 
In  our  astonished  reverence  we  confess 

Thine  uncreated  loveliness. 
Holy  Trinity  ! 
Blessed  Equal  Three, 
One  God,  we  praise  Thee. 

5. 
O  Blessed  Trinity  ! 
O  simplest  Majesty  !  O  Three  in  One  ! 
Thou  art  for  ever  God  alone. 
Holy  Trinity ! 
Blessed  Equal  Three, 
One  God,  we  praise  Thee. 
3* 


30  THE  HOLY  TRINITY, 

6. 

O  Blessed  Trinity  ! 
The  Fountain  of  the  Godhead,  in  repose, 
For  ever  rests,  for  ever  flows. 
Holy  Trinity ! 
Blessed  Equal  Three. 
One  God,  we  praise  Thee. 

7. 

O  Blessed  Trinity  ! 
O  Unbegotten  Father  !  give  us  tears 

To  quench  our  love,  to  calm  our  feai*s. 
Holy  Trinity  ! 
Blessed  Equal  Three, 
One  God,  we  praise  Thee. 

8. 

O  Blessed  Trinity ! 
Bright  Son  !  wlio  art  the  Father^s  mind  displayed, 

Thou  art  begotten  and  not  made. 
Holy  Trinity  ! 
Blessed  Equal  Three, 
One  God,  we  praise  Thee. 

9. 

O  Blessed  Trinity  ! 
Coequal  Spirit !  wondrous  Paraclete  ! 

By  Thee  the  Godhead  is  complete. 
Holy  Trinity  ! 
Blessed  Equal  Three, 
One  God,  we  praise  Thee. 


THE  HOLY  TRINITY,  31 

10. 
O  Blessed  Trinity ! 
We  praise  Thee,  bless  Thee,  worship  Thee  as  One, 
Yet  Three  are  on  the  single  Throne. 
Holy  Trinity  ! 
Blessed  Equal  Three, 
One  God,  we  praise  Thee. 

11. 

O  Blessed  Trinity  ! 
In  the  deep  darkness  of  prayer's  stillest  night. 

We  w^orship  Thee  blinded  with  light. 
Holy  Trinity ! 
Blessed  Equal  Three, 
One  God,  we  praise  Thee. 

12. 
O  Blessed  Trinity ! 
Oh  would  that  we  could  die  of  love  for  Thee, 
Ii\comparable  Trinity ! 

Holy  Trinity ! 
Blessed  Equal  Three, 
One  God,  we  praise  Thee. 


32  MAJESTY  DIVINE. 

3. 

MAJESTY  DIVINE. 

1. 

Full  of  glory,  full  of  wonders, 

Majesty  Divine ! 
^Mid  Thine  everlasting  thunders 

How  Thy  lightnings  shine  ! 
Shoreless  Ocean  !  who  shall  sound  Thee? 
Thine  own  eternity  is  round  Thee, 

Majesty  Divine ! 

2. 

Timeless,  spaceless,  single,  lonely, 

Yet  sublimely  Three, 
Thou  art  grandly,  always,  only 

God  in  Unity  ! 
Lone  in  grandeur,  lone  in  glory, 
Who  shall  tell  Thy  wondrous  story, 

Awful  Trinity  ? 

3. 

Speechlessly,  without  beginning. 

Sun  that  never  rose  ! 
Vast,  adorable,  and  winning, 

Day  that  hath  no  close  ! 
Bliss  from  Thine  own  glory  tasting, 
Everliving,  everlasting. 

Life  that  never  grows ! 


MAJESTY  DIVINE.  33 


4. 


Till  lie  own  Self  for  ever  fillino: 
With  self-kindled  flame, 

In  Thyself  Thou  art  distilling 
Unctions  without  name ! 

Without  worshipping  of  creatures, 

"Without  veiling  of  Thy  features, 
God  always  the  same  ! 


5. 


In  Thy  praise  of  Self  untiring 
Thy  perfections  shine ; 

Self-sufficient,  self-admiring, — 
Such  life  must  be  Thine ; — 

Glorifying  Self,  yet  blameless 

With  a  sanctity  all  shameless 
It  is  so  Divine  ! 


6. 


'Mid  Thine  uncreated  morning. 

Like  a  trembling;  star 
I  behold  creation's  dawning 

Glimmering  from  far ; 
Nothing  giving,  nothing  taking, 
Nothing  changing,  nothing  breaking, 

Waiting  at  time's  bar  ! 


34  GOD. 


7. 


1  with  life  and  love  diurnal 

See  myself  in  Thee, 
All  embalmed  in  love  eternal, 

Floating  in  Thy  sea : 
'Mid  Thine  uncreated  whiteness 
I  behold  Thy  glory's  brightness 

Feed  itself  on  me. 

8. 

Splendors  upon  splendors  beaming 

Change  and  intertwine ! 
Glories  over  glories  streaming 

All  translucent  shine ! 
Blessings,  praises,  adorations 
Greet  Thee  from  the  trembling  nations ' 

Majesty  Divine ! 


4. 

GOD. 
1. 


Have  mercy  on  us,  God  Most  High  ! 

Who  lift  our  hearts  to  Thee ; 
Have  mercy  on  us  worms  of  earth, 

Most  holy  Trinity  ! 


GOD.  35 


2. 


Most  ancient  of  all  mysteries  ! 

Before  Thy  throne  we  lie ; 
Have  mercy  now,  most  merciful, 

Most  holy  Trinity  ! 

3. 

When  heaven  and  earth  were  yet  unmade, 
When  time  was  yet  unknown, 

Thou  in  Thy  bliss  and  majesty 
Didst  live  and  love  alone  ! 

4. 

Thou  wert  not  born ;  there  was  no  fount 
From  which  Thy  Being  flowed ; 

There  is  no  end  which  Thou  canst  reach : 
But  Thou  art  simply  God. 

5. 

How  wonderful  creation  is, 

The  work  that  Thou  didst  bless, 

And,  oh  !  what  then  must  Thou  be  like, 
Eternal  Loveliness  ? 

6. 

How  beautiful  the  Angels  are, 
The  Saints  how  bright  in  bliss; 

But  with  Thy  beauty,  Ijord  !  compared, 
How  dull,  how  poor  is  this  ! 


36  GOD. 


7. 


In  woiuler  lost,  the  higliest  heavens 

IMary,  the'.r  queen,  may  see ; 
If  Mary  is  so  beautiful, 

What  must  her  Maker  be  ? 

8. 

No  wonder  Saints  have  died  of  love, 

No  wonder  hearts  can  break, 
Pure  hearts  that  once  have  learned  to  love 

God  for  His  own  dear  sake. 

9. 

O  Majesty  most  beautiful ! 

Most  holy  Trinity ! 
On  Mary's  throne  we  climb  to  get 

A  far-oif  sight  of  Thee. 

10. 

O  listen,  then,  Most  Pitiful ! 

To  Thy  poor  creature's  heart ; 
It  blesses  Thee  that  Thou  art  God, 

That  Thou  art  what  Thou  art ! 

11. 

Most  ancient  of  all  mysteries  ! 

Still  at  Thy  throne  we  lie ; 
Have  mercy  now,  most  merciful, 

MoFt  holy  Trinity  ! 


THE  ETERNITY  OF  GOD.  37 


5. 

THE  ETERNITY  OF  GOD. 

1. 

O  Lord  !  my  heart  is  sick, 
Sick  of  this  everlasting  change ; 

And  life  runs  tediously  quick 
Through  its  unresting  race  and  varied  range ; 
Change  finds  no  likeness  to  itself  in  Thee. 
And  wakes  no  echo  in  Thy  mute  eternity. 

2. 

Dear  Lord  !  my  heart  is  sick 
Of  this  perpetual  lapsing  time, 

So  slow  in  grief,  in  joy  so  quick. 
Yet  ever  casting  shadows  so  sublime : 
Time  of  all  creatures  is  least  like  to  Thee, 
And  yet  it  is  our  share  of  Thine  eternity. 

3. 

Oh  change  and  time  are  storms 
For  lives  so  thin  and  frail  as  ours ; 

For  change  the  work  of  grace  deforms 
With  love  that  soils,  and  help  that  overpowers; 
And  time  is  strong,  and,  like  some  chafing  sea. 
It  seems  to  fret  the  shores  of  Thine  eternity. 


38  THE  ETERNITY  OF  GOD. 

4. 
Weak,  weak,  for  evei'  weak  ! 
We  cannot  hokl  what  we  possess ; 

Youth  cannot  find,  age  will  not  seek, — 
Oh  weakness  is  the  heart's  worst  weariness : 
But  weakest  hearts  can  lift  their  thoughts  to  Thee ; 
It  makes  us  strong  to  think  of  Thine  eternity. 

5. 

Thou  hadst  no  youth,  great  God ! 
An  Unbeginning  End  Thou  art; 

Thy  glory  in  itself  abode, 
And  still  abides  in  its  ow4i  tranquil  heart : 
No  age  can  heap  its  outward  years  on  Thee  : 
Dear  God  !  Thou  art  Thyself  Thine  own  eternity  ! 

6. 
Without  an  end  or  bound 
Thy  life  lies  all  outspread  in  light ; 

Our  lives  feel  Thy  life  all  around. 
Making   our    weakness    strong,   our   darkness 
bright ; 
Yet  it  is  neither  wilderness  nor  sea, 
But  the  calm  gladness  of  a  full  eternity. 

7. 
Oh  Thou  art  very  great 
To  set  Thyself  so  far  above ! 

But  we  partake  of  Thine  estate, 
Established  in  Thy  strength  and  in  Thy  love: 
That  love  hath  made  eternal  room  for  me. 
In  the  sweet  vastness  of  its  own  eternity. 


THE  ETERNITY  OF  GOD.  39 


8. 


Oh  Thou  art  very  meek 
To  overshade  Thy  creatures  thus  ! 

Thy  grandeur  is  the  shade  we  seek ; 
To  be  eternal  is  Thy  use  to  us : 
Ah  Blessed  God  !  what  joy  it  is  to  me 
To  lose  all  thought  of  self  in  Thine  eternity. 

9. 

Self- wearied,  Lord  !  I  come ; 
For  I  have  lived  my  life  too  fast : 

Now  that  years  bring  me  nearer  home 
Grace  must  be  slowly  used  to  make  it  last; 
When  my  heart  beats  too  quick  I  think  of  Thee, 
And  of  the  leisure  of  Thy  long  eternity. 

10. 

Farewell,  vain  joys  of  earth  ! 
Farewell,  all  love  that  is  not  His ! 

Dear  God  !  be  Thou  my  only  mirth, 
Thy  Majesty  my  single  timid  bliss  ! 
Oh  in  the  bosom  of  eternity 
Thou  dost  not  weary  of  Thyself,  nor  we  of  Thee ! 


40  THE  GEEATyESS  OF  GOJJ. 


6. 

THE  GREATNESS  OF  GOD. 

1. 

O  Majesty  unspeakable  and  dread  ! 

AVert  Thou  less  mighty  than  Thou  art, 
Thou  wert,  O  Lord  !  too  great  for  our  belief, 

Too  little  for  our  heart. 

2. 

Thy  greatness  would  seem  monstrous  by  the  side 

Of  creatures  frail  and  undivine ; 
Yet  they  would  have  a  greatness  of  their  own 

Free  and  apart  from  Thine. 

3. 

Such  grandeur  were  but  a  created  thing, 

A  spectre,  terror,  and  a  grief, 
Out  of  all  keeping  Avith  a  world  so  calm, 

Oppressing  our  belief. 

4. 

But  greatness,  which  is  infinite,  makes  room 

For  all  things  in  its  lap  to  lie ; 
We  should  be  crushed  by  a  magnificence 

Short  of  infinity. 


THE  GREATNESS  OF  GOD.  41 


6. 


It  Avould  outgrow  us  from  the  face  of  things, 

Still  prospering  as  we  decayed, 
And,  like  a  tyrannous  rival,  it  would  feed 

Upon  the  wrecks  it  made. 

6. 

But  what  is  infinite  must  be  a  home, 

A  shelter  for  the  meanest  life, 
Where  it  is  free  to  reach  its  greatest  growth 

Far  from  the  touch  of  strife. 

7. 

We  share  in  what  is  infinite  :  'tis  ours, 

For  we  and  it  alike  are  Thine ; 
What  I  enjoy,  great  God  !  by  right  of  Thee 

Is  more  than  doubly  mine. 

8. 

Thus  doth  Thy  hospitable  greatness  lie 

Outside  us  like  a  boundless  sea ; 
We  cannot  lose  ourselves  where  all  is  home, 

Nor  drift  away  from  Thee. 

9. 

Out  on  that  sea  we  are  in  hr/^bor  still, 
And  scarce  advert  to  winds  and  tides, 

Like  ships  that  ride  at  anchor,  with  the  waves 
Flapping  against  their  sides. 
4* 


42  THE  WILL  OF  GUI). 

10. 

Thus  doth  Thy  grandeur  make  us  grand  ourselves ; 

'Tis  goodness  bids  us  fear ; 
Thy  greatness  makes  us  brave  as  children  are, 

When  those  they  love  are  near. 

11. 

Great  God  !  our  lowliness  takes  heart  to  play 

Beneath  the  shadow  of  Thy  state ; 
The  only  comfort  of  our  littleness 

Is  that  Thou  art  so  great. 

12. 

Then  on  Thy  grandeur  I  will  lay  me  down ; 

Already  life  is  heaven  for  me : 
No  cradled  child  more  softly  lies  than  I, — 

Come  soon,  Eternity  ! 


7. 

THE  WILL  OF  GOD. 
1. 

I  worship  thee,  sweet  will  of  God  ! 

And  all  thy  ways  adore. 
And  every  day  I  live  I  seem 

To  love  thee  more  and  more. 


THE  WILL  OF  GOD.  43 


2. 


Thou  wert  the  end,  the  blessed  rule 
Of  our  Saviour's  toils  and  tears ; 

Thou  wert  the  passion  of  His  Heart 
Those  Three-and-thirty  years. 

3. 

And  He  hath  breathed  into  my  soul 

A  special  love  of  Thee, 
A  love  to  lose  my  will  in  His, 

And  by  that  loss  be  free. 

4. 

I  love  to  see  Thee  bring  to  nought 

The  plans  of  wily  men ; 
When  simple  hearts  outwit  the  wise, 

Oh  Thou  art  loveliest  then  ! 

5. 

The  headstrong  world,  it  presses  hard 
Upon  the  Church  full  oft. 

And  then  how  easily  Thou  turnst 
The  hard  ways  into  soft. 

6. 

I  love  to  kiss  each  print  where  Thou 
Hast  set  Thine  unseen  feet  : 

I  cannot  fear  Thee,  blessed  Will ! 
Thine  empire  is  so  sweet. 


44  THE  WILL  OF  GOD. 

7. 

Wlien  obstacles  and  trials  seem 

Like  prison-walls  to  be, 
I  do  the  little  I  can  do, 

And  leave  the  rest  to  Thee. 

8. 

I  know  not  what  it  is  to  doubt ; 

]\Iy  heart  is  ever  gay ; 
I  run  no  risk,  for  come  what  will 

Thou  always  hast  Thy  way. 

9. 

I  have  no  cares,  O  blessed  Will ! 

For  all  my  cares  are  Thine ; 
I  live  in  triumph,  Lord  !  for  Thou 

Hast  made  Thy  triumphs  mine. 

10. 

And  when  it  seems  no  chance  or  chanofe 
From  grief  can  set  me  free, 

Hope  finds  its  strength  in  helplessness, 
And  gaily  waits  on  Thee. 

11. 

Man's  weakr.ess  waiting  upon  God 

Its  end  can  never  miss, 
For  men  on  earth  no  work  can  do 

More  angel-like  than  this. 


THE  ETERNAL  FATHER.  45 

12. 

Kide  on,  ride  on  triumphantly, 

Thou  glorious  Will  !  ride  on  ; 
Faith's  pilgrim  sons  behind  Thee  take 

The  road  that  Thou  hast  gone. 

13. 

He  always  wins  who  sides  with  God, 

To  him  no  chance  is  lost ; 
God's  will  is  sweetest  to  him  when 

It  triumphs  at  his  cost. 

14. 

Ill  that  He  blesses  is  our  good. 

And  unblest  good  is  ill ; 
And  all  is  right  that  seems  most  wrong, 

If  it  be  His  sweet  will ! 


8. 

THE  ETERNAL  FATHER. 

1. 

Father  !  the  sweetest,  dearest  Name 
That  men  or  angels  know ! 

Fountain  of  life,  that  had  no  fount 
From  which  itself  could  flow ! 


46  THE  ETERNAL  FATHER. 

2. 

Thy  life  is  one  iin wearing  day ; 

Before  its  Now  Thou  hast 
No  varied  future  yet  unlived, 

No  lapse  of  changeless  past. 

3. 

Thou  comest  not,  Thou  goest  not ; 

Thou  wert  not,  wilt  not  be ; 
Eternity  is  but  a  thought 

By  which  we  think  of  Thee. 

4. 

No  epochs  lie  behind  Thy  life; 

Thou  holdst  Thy  life  of  none: 
No  other  life  is  by  Thy  side; 

Thine  is  supremely  lone. 

6. 

Far  upward  in  the  timeless  past, 
Ere  form  or  space  had  come, 

We  see  Thee  by  Thine  own  dread  light, 
Thyself  Thine  only  home. 

6. 

Thy  vastncss  is  not  young  or  old ; 

Thy  life  hath  never  grown ; 
No  time  can  measure  out  Thy  days, 

No  space  can  make  Thy  throne. 


THE  ETERNAL  FATHER.  47 

7. 

Thy  life  is  deep  within  Thyself, 

Sole  Unbegotten  Sire ! 
But  Son  and  Spirit  flow  from  Thee 

In  coeternal  fire. 

8. 

They  flow  from  Thee,  They  rest  in  Thee, 

As  in  a  Father's  Breast, — 
Processions  of  eternal  love. 

Pulses  of  endless  rest ! 

9. 

That  They  in  majesty  should  reign 

Coequal,  Sire  !  with  Thee, 
But  magnifies  the  singleness 

Of  Thy  paternity. 

10. 

Their  uncreated  glories,  Lord  ! 

With  Thine  own  glory  shine ; 
Thy  glory  as  the  Father  needs 

That  Theirs  should  equal  Thine. 

11. 

All  things  are  equal  in  Thy  life : 

Thou  joyst  not  to  be  alone, 
To  have  no  sire,  and  yet  to  have 

A  coeternal  Son. 


■iS  THE  ETERNAL  FATHER. 

12. 

Thy  Spirit  is  Thy  jubilee ; 

Thy  Word  is  Thy  delight ; 
Thou  givest  Them  to  equal  Thee 

In  glory  and  in  might. 

13. 

Thou  art  too  great  to  keep  unshared 

Thy  grand  eternity ; 
They  have  it  as  Thy  gift  to  Them, 

Which  is  no  gift  to  Thee. 

14. 

We  too,  like  Thy  coequal  Word, 
Within  Thy  lap  may  rest : 

We  too,  like  Thine  Eternal  Dove, 
May  nestle  in  Thy  Breast. 

15. 

Lone  Fountain  of  the  Godhead,  hail ! 

Person  most  dread  and  dear  ! 
I  thrill  with  frightened  joy  to  feel 

Thy  fatherhood  so  near. 

16. 

Lost  in  Thy  greatness.  Lord  !  I  live, 
As  in  some  gorgeous  maze ; 

Thy  sea  of  unbegotten  light 
Blinds  me,  and  yet  I  gaze. 


THE  ETERNAL  FATHER.  49 


17. 


For  Thy  grandeur  is  all  tenderness, 
All  motherlike  and  meek  ; 

The  hearts  that  will  not  come  to  it 
Humbling  itself  to  seek. 


18. 


Thou  feign'st  to  be  remote,  and  speakst 

As  if  from  far  above, 
That  fear  may  make  more  bold  with  Thee, 

And  be  beguiled  to  love, 

19. 

On  earth  Thou  hidest,  not  to  scare 

Thy  children  with  Thy  light, 
Then  showest  us  Thy  face  in  heaven, 

When  we  can  bear  the  sio:ht. 

20. 

All  fathers  learn  their  craft  from  Thee ; 

All  loves  are  shadows  cast 
From  the  beautiful  eternal  hills 

Of  Thine  unbeginning  past. 


50  OUR  HEAVENLY  FATHER. 


9. 

OUR  HEAVENLY  FATHER. 

1, 

My  God  !  how  wonderful  Thou  art. 

Thy  Majesty  how  bright, 
How  beautiful  Thy  Mercy-Seat 

In  depths  of  burning  light  I 

% 

How  dread  are  Thine  eternal  years, 

O  everlasting  Lord ! 
By  prostrate  spirits  day  and  night 

Incessantly  adored ! 

3, 

How  beautiful,  how  beautiful 

The  sight  of  Thee  must  be, 
Thine  endless  wisdom,  boundless  power, 

And  awful  purity ! 

4. 

Oh  how  I  fear  Thee,  living  God ! 

With  deepest,  tenderest  fears. 
And  worship  Thee  with  trembling  hope. 

And  penitential  tears. 


OUR  HEAVENLY  FATHER.  51 

5. 

Yet  I  may  love  Thee  too,  O  Lord ! 

Almighty  as  Thou  art, 
For  Thou  hast  stooped  to  ask  of  me 

The  love  of  my  poor  heart. 

6. 

Oh  then  this  worse  than  worthless  heart 

In  pity  deign  to  take, 
And  make  it  love  Thee,  for  Thyself, 

And  for  Thy  glory's  sake. 

7. 

No  earthly  father  loves  like  Thee, 

No  mother  half  so  mild 
Bears  and  forbears,  as  Thou  hast  done, 

With  me,  Thy  sinful  child. 

8.      >•■ 

Only  to  sit  and  think  of  God, 

Oh  what  a  joy  it  is ! 
To  think  the  thought,  to  breathe  the  Name, 

Earth  has  no  higher  bliss ! 

9. 

Father  of  Jesus  !  love's  Keward  ! 

What  rapture  will  it  lie. 
Prostrate  before  Thy  throne  to  lit, 

And  gaze  a\id  gaze  on  Thee ! 


52  MY  FATHER, 


10. 

MY  FxVTHER. 

1. 

O  God  !  Thy  power  is  wonderful, 
Thy  glory  passing  bright ; 

Thy  wisdom,  with  its  deep  on  deep, 
A  rapture  to  the  sight. 

2. 

Thy  justice  is  the  gladdest  thing 

Creation  can  behold ; 
Thy  tenderness  so  meek,  it  wins 

The  guilty  to  be  bold. 

3. 

Yet  more  than  all,  and  ever  more, 
Should  we  Thy  creatures  bless, 

Most  worshipful  of  attributes, 
Thine  awful  holiness. 

4. 

There's  not  a  craving  in  the  mind 
Thou  dost  not  meet  and  still  ; 

There's  not  a  wish  the  heart  can  have 
Which  Thou  dost  not  fulfil. 


MY  FATHER  53 


5. 


I  see  Thee  in  the  eternal  years 

In  glory  all  alone, 
Ere  round  Thine  uncreated  fires 

Created  light  had  shone. 

6. 

I  see  Thee  walk  in  Eden's  shade, 
I  see  Thee  all  through  time ; 

Thy  patience  and  compassion  seem 
New  attributes  sublime. 

7. 

I  see  Thee  when  the  doom  is  o'er, 

And  outworn  time  is  done, 
Still,  still  incomprehensible, 

O  God  !  yet  not  alone. 

8. 

Angelic  spirits,  countless  souls, 
Of  Thee  have  drunk  their  fill ; 

And  to  eternity  will  drink 
Thy  joy  and  glory  still. 

9. 

Mary,  herself  a  sea  of  grace, 

Hath  all  been  drawn  from  Thine  ; 

And  Thou  oouldst  fill  a  thousand  more 
From  out  those  depths  divine. 

5* 


54  3IY  FATHER 


10. 


From  Thee  were  drawn  those  worlds  of  life, 
The  Saviour's  Heart  and  Soul ; 

And  undiminished  still,  Thy  waves 
Of  calmest  glor^"  roll. 

11. 

All  things  that  have  been,  all  that  are, 
All  things  that  can  be  dreamed, 

All  possible  creations,  made, 
Kept  faithful,  or  redeemed, — 

12. 

All  these  may  draw  upon  Thy  power. 

Thy  mercy  may  command  ; 
And  still  outflows  Thy  silent  sea. 

Immutable  and  grand. 

13. 

O  little  heart  of  mine  !  shall  pain 

Or  sorrow  make  thee  moan. 
When  all  this  God  is  all  for  thee, 

A.  Father  all  thine  own  ? 


THE  GOD  OF  MY  CHILDHOOD.  65 


IL 

THE  GOD  OF  MY  CHILDHOOD. 

1. 

O  God,  who  wert  my  childhood's  love, 

My  boyhood's  pure  delight, 
A  presence  felt  the  livelong  day^ 

A  welcome  fear  at  night, — 

% 

O  let  me  speak  to  Thee,  dear  God ! 

Of  those  old  mercies  past, 
O'er  which  new  mercies  day  by  day, 

Such  lengthening  shadows  cast. 

3. 

They  bade  me  call  Thee  Father,  Lord ! 

Sweet  was  the  freedom  deemed, 
And  yet  more  like  a  mother's  ways, 

Thy  quiet  mercies  seemed. 

4. 

At  school  Thou  wert  a  kindly  Face 

Which  I  could  almost  see ; 
But  home  and  holyday  appeared 

Somehow  more  full  of  Thee. 


56  THE  GOD  OF  3IY  CHILDHOOD. 

5. 

I  could  not  sleep  unless  Thy  Hand 
Were  underneath  my  head, 

That  I  might  kiss  it,  if  I  lay 
Wakeful  upon  my  bed. 

6. 

And  quite  alone  I  never  felt, — ' 
I  knew  that  Thou  wert  near, 

A  silence  tingling  in  the  room, 
A  strangely  pleasant  fear. 

7. 

And  to  home-Sundays  long  since  past 
How  fondly  memory  clings ; 

For  then  my  mother  told  of  Thee 
Such  sweet,  such  wondrous  things^ 

8. 

I  know  not  what  I  thought  of  Thee, 
What  picture  I  had  made 

Of  that  eternal  Majesty 

To  whom  my  childhood  prayed. 

9. 

I  know  I  used  to  lie  awake, 
And  tremble  at  the  shape 

Of  my  own  thoughts,  yet  did  not  wish 
Thy  terrors:  to  escape. 


THE  GOD  OF  MY  CHILDHOOD.  57 

.  10. 

I  had  no  secrets  as  a  child, 

Yet  never  spoke  of  Thee ; 
The  nights  we  spent  together.  Lord  ! 

Were  only  known  to  me. 

11. 

I  lived  two  lives  which  seemed  distinct, 

Yet  which  did  intertwine : 
One  was  my  mother's — it  is  gone — 

The  other,  Lord !  was  Thine. 

12. 

I  never  wandered  from  Thee,  Lord  I 

But  sinned  before  Thy  Face ; 
Yet  now,  on  looking  back,  my  sins 

Seem  all  beset  with  grace. 

13. 

With  age  Thou  grewest  more  divine. 

More  glorious  than  before ; 
I  feared  Thee  with  a  deeper  fear, 

Because  I  loved  Thee  more. 

14. 

Thou  broadenest  out  with  every  year, 

Each  breadth  of  life  to  meet : 
I  scarce  can  think  Thou  art  the  same, 

Thou  art  so  much  more  sweet. 


58  THE  GOD  OF  MY  CHILDHOOD. 

15. 

Changed  and  not  changed,  Thy  present  cliarma 

Thy  ])ast  ones  only  prove  ; 
Oh  make  my  lieart  more  strong  to  bear 

This  newness  of  Thy  love  ! 

16. 

These  novelties  of  love  ! — when  will 
Thy  goodness  find  an  end  ? 
Whither  will  Thy  compassions,  Lord  I 
Incredibly  extend? 

17. 

Father  !  what  hast  Thou  grown  to  now  ? 
A  joy  all  joys  above, 
Something  more  sacred  than  a  fear, 
More  tender  than  a  love  ! 

18. 

With  gentle  swiftness  lead  me  on, 

Dear  God  !  to  see  Thy  Face ; 
And  meanwhile  in  my  narrow  heart 

Oh  make  Thyself  more  space  I 


THE  ETERNAL  WORD.  59 


12. 

THE  ETERNAL  WORD. 

1. 

Amid  the  eternal  silences 

God's  endless  Word  was  spoken ; 
None  heard  but  He  who  always  spake, 
And  the  silence  was  unbroken. 
Oh  marvellous  !  Oh  worshipful ! 

No  song  or  sound  is  heard, 
But  everywhere  and  every  hour, 
In  love,  in  wisdom,  and  in  power, 
The  Father  speaks  His  dear  Eternal  Word ! 


2. 

For  ever  in  the  eternal  land 

The  glorious  day  is  dawning ; 
For  ever  is  the  Father's  Light 

Like  an  endless  outspread  morning. 
Oh  marvellous  !  Oh  worshipful ! 

No  song  or  sound  is  heard. 
But  everywhere  and  every  hour. 
In  love,  in  wisdom,  and  in  power, 
The  Father  speaks  His  dear  Eternal  Word ! 


60  THE  ETERNAL  WORD. 

3. 

From  the  Father's  vast  tranquillity, 

In  light  coequal  glowing, 
The  kingly  consubstantial  Word 
Is  unutterably  flowing;. 

Oh  marvellous  !  Oh  worshipful ! 

No  song  or  sound  is  heard, 
But  everywhere  and  every  hour, 
In  love,  in  wisdom,  and  in  power, 
The  Father  speaks  His  dear  Eternal  Word  1 

4. 

For  ever  climbs  that  Morning  Star 

Without  ascent  or  motion ; 
For  ever  is  its  daybreak  shed 
On  the  Spirit's  boundless  ocean. 
Oh  marvellous  !   Oh  worshipful ! 

No  song  or  sound  is  heard. 
But  everywhere  and  every  hour, 
In  love,  in  wisdom,  and  in  power. 
The  Father  speaks  His  dear  Eternal  Word  ! 

5. 

O  Word  !  who  fitly  can  adore 

Thy  Birth  and  Thy  Relation, 
Lost  in  the  impenetrable  light 
Of  Thine  awful  Generation  ? 

Oh  marvellous  !  Oh  w^orshipful  I 

No  song  or  sound  is  heard, 
But  everywhere  and  every  hour, 
In  love,  in  wisdom,  and  in  power, 
The  Father  sj>eaks  His  dear  Eternal  Woni  ! 


THE  ETERNAL  WORD.  61 

6. 
Thy  Father  clasps  Thee  evermore 

In  unspeakable  embraces, 
While  the  angels  tremble  as  they  praise, 
And  shroud  their  dazzled  faces. 
Oh  marvellous  !  Oh  worshipful ! 

No  song  or  sound  is  heard, 
But  everywhere  and  every  hour, 
In  love,  in  wisdom,  and  in  power. 
The  Father  speaks  His  dear  Eternal  Word ! 

7. 
And  oh !  in  what  abyss  of  love, 

So  fiery  yet  so  tender. 
The  Holy  Ghost  encircles  Thee 
With  His  uncreated  splendor ! 
Oh  marvellous  !  Oh  worshipful ! 

No  song  or  sound  is  heard. 
But  everywhere  and  every  hour. 
In  love,  in  wisdom,  and  in  power. 
The  Father  speaks  His  dear  Eternal  Word  i 

8. 
O  Word  !  O  dear  and  gentle  Word  ! 

Thy  creatures  kneel  before  Thee, 
And  in  ecstasies  of  timid  love 
Delio'htfullv  adore  Thee. 

Oh  marvellous  !  Oh  worshipful ! 

No  song  or  sound  is  heard. 
But  everywhere  and  every  hour. 
In  love,  in  wisdom,  and  in  power. 
The  Father  speaks  His  dear  Eternal  Word  \ 
6 


62  JESUS  IS  GOD. 

9. 
Hail  clioicest  mystery  of  God  ! 
"Hail  wondrous  Generation ! 
The  Father's  selfsafficient  rest ! 
The  Spirit's  jubilation ! 

Oh  marvellous  !  Oh  worshipful ' 

No  song  or  sound  is  heard, 
But  everywhere  and  every  hour, 
In  love,  in  wisdom,  and  in  power, 
The  Father  speaks  His  dear  Eternal  Word ! 

10. 
Dear  Person  !  dear  beyond  all  words, 

Glorious  beyond  all  telling  ! 
Oh  with  what  songs  of  silent  love 
Our  ravished  hearts  are  swelling  ! 
Oh  marvellous  !  Oh  worshipful ! 

Xo  song  or  sound  is  heard, 
But  everywhere  and  every  hour, 
In  love,  in  wisdom,  and  in  power. 
The  Father  speaks  His  dear  Eternal  Word  ! 


13. 

JESUS  IS  GOD. 

1. 

Jesus  is  God  !     The  solid  earth. 
The  ocean  broad  and  briglit. 

The  countless  stars,  like  golden  dust, 
That  strew  the  skies  at  niirht. 


JESUS  IS  GOD.  63 

The  wheeling  storm,  tlie  dreadful  fire, 

The  pleasant,  wholesome  air, 
The  summer's  sun,  the  winter's  frost, 

His  own  creations  were. 

2. 

Jesus  is  God  !     The  glorious  bands 

Of  golden  angels  sing 
Songs  of  adoring  praise  to  Him, 

Their  Maker  and  their  King. 
He  was  true  God  in  Bethlehem's  crib. 

On  Calvary's  cross  true  God, 
He  who  in  heaven  eternal  reigned. 

In  time  on  earth  abode. 

3. 

Jesus  is  God  !     There  never  was 

A  time  when  he  was  not : 
Boundless,  eternal,  merciful. 

The  Word  the  Sire  begot! 
Backward  our  thouo-lits  throuo;h  ao-es  stretch, 

Onw^ard  through  endless  bliss, — 
For  there  are  two  eternities, 

And  both  alike  are  His  ! 

4. 

Jesus  is  God  !     Alas  !  they  say 

On  earth  the  numbers  grow. 
Who  His  Divinity  blaspheme 

To  their  unfailing  woe. 
And  yet  what  is  the  single  end 

Of  this  life's  mortal  span, 
Except  to  glorify  the  God 

Who  for  our  sakes  was  man  ? 


64  JESUS  IS  GOD. 

5. 

Jesus  is  God  !     Let  sorrow  eome, 

And  pain  and  every  ill ; 
All  are  worth  while,  for  all  are  means 

His  glory  to  fulfil ; 
Worth  w'^Ile  a  thousand  years  of  life 

To  speak  one  little  word, 
If  by  our  Credo  we  might  own 

The  Godhead  of  our  Lord ! 

6. 

Jesus  is  God  !     Oh  could  I  now 

But  compass  land  and  sea, 
To  teach  and  tell  this  single  truth, 

How  happy  should  I  be  ! 
Oh  had  I  but  an  angel's  voice 

I  would  proclaim  so  loud, — 
Jesus,  the  good,  the  beautiful, 

Is  everlasting  God ! 

7. 

Jesus  is  God !     If  on  the  earth 

This  blessed  faith  decays, 
More  tender  must  our  love  become, 

More  plentiful  our  praise. 
We  are  not  angels,  but  we  may 

Down  in  earth's  corners  kneel. 
And  multiply  sweet  acts  of  love. 

And  murmur  what  we  feel. 


JESUS,  MY  GOD  AND  MY  ALL.  65 


14. 

JESUS,  MY  GOD  AND  M^  ALL. 

1. 

0  Jesus,  Jesus  !  dearest  Lord  ! 
Forgive  me  if  I  say 

For  very  love  .Thy  Sacred  Name 
A  thousand  times  a  day. 

2. 

1  love  Thee  so,  I  know  not  how 
My  transports  to  control ; 

Thy  love  is  like  a  burning  fire 
Within  my  very  soul. 

3. 

O  wonderful !  that  Thou  shouldst  let 

So  vile  a  heart  as  mine 
Love  Thee  with  such  a  love  as  this, 

And  make  so  free  with  Thine. 

4. 

The  craft  of  this  wise  world  of  ouixi 

Poor  wisdom  seems  to  me ; 
Ah  !  dearest  Jesus  !  I  have  grown 

Childish  with  love  of  Thee  ! 
6* 


G6  JESUS,  MY  GOD  AND  MY  ALL. 

5. 

For  Thou  to  me  art  all  in  all, 
]\Iy  honor  and  my  wealth, 

My  heart's  desire,  my  body's  strength, 
My  soul's  eternal  health. 

6. 

Burn,  burn,  O  Love !  within  my  heart, 
Burn  fiercely  night  and  day. 

Till  all  the  dross  of  earthly  loves 
Is  burned,  and  burned  away. 

7. 

O  Light  in  darkness,  Joy  in  grief, 
O  heaven  begun  on  earth  ! 

Jesus  !  my  Love  !  my  Treasure  !  who 
Can  tell  what  Thou  are  worth  ? 

8. 

O  Jesus !  Jesus  !  sweetest  Lord  ! 

What  art  Thou  not  to  me  ? 
Each  hour  brings  joy  before  unknown, 

Each  day  new  liberty  ! 

9. 

"^Vhat  limit  is  there  to  Thee,  love  ? 

Thy  flight  where  wilt  Thou  stay  ? 
On  !  on  !  our  Lord  is  sweeter  far 

To-day  than  yesterday.  ' 


THE  ETERNAL  SPIRIT.  67 

10. 

O  love  of  Jesus !  Blessed  love ! 

So  will  it  ever  be ; 
Time  cannot  hold  thy  wondrous  growth, 

No,  nor  eternity ! 


15. 

THE  ETERNAL  SPIRIT. 

1. 

Fountain  of  Love  !  Thyself  true  God  ! 

Who  through  eternal  days 
From  Father  and  from  Son  hast  flowed 

In  uncreated  ways. 

2. 

O  Majesty  unspeakable ! 

O  Person  all  Divine  ! 
How  in  the  Threefold  Majesty 

Doth  Thy  Procession  shine  ! 

3. 

Fixed  in  the  Godhead^s  awful  light 
Thy  fiery  Breath  doth  move ! 

Thou  art  a  wonder  by  Thyself 
To  worship  and  to  love  ! 


6S  THE  ETERNAL  SPIRIT. 

4. 

Proceeding,  yet  of  equal  age 

With  those  whose  love  Thou  art ; 

Proceeding,  yet  distinct  from  those 
From  whom  Thou  secm'st  to  part : 

5. 

An  undivided  Nature  shared 
With  Father  and  with  Son ; 

A  Person  by  Thyself;  with  Them 
Thy  simple  essence  One  : 

6. 

Bond  art  Thou  of  the  other  Twain  ! 

Omnipotent  and  free ! 
The  consummating  Love  of  God  ! 

The  limit  of  the  Three  ! 

7. 

Thou  limitest  infinity, 

Thyself  all  infinite ; 
The  Godhead  lives,  and  loves,  and  rests, 

In  Thine  eternal  light. 

8. 

I  dread  Thee,  Unbegotten  Love ! 

True  God  !  sole  Fount  of  Grace  ! 
And  now  before  Tiiy  Blessed  throne 

My  sinful  self  abase. 


THE  ETERNAL  SPIRIT.  69 

9. 

Ocean,  wide-flowing  Ocean,  Thou, 

Of  uncreated  Love ; 
I  tremble  as  within  my  soul 

I  feel  Thy  waters  move. 

10. 

Thou  art  a  sea  without  a  shore ; 

Awful,  immense  Thou  art ; 
A  sea  which  can  contract  itself 

Within  my  narrow  heart. 

11. 

And  yet  Thou  art  a  haven  too 

Out  on  the  shoreless  sea, 
A  harbor  that  can  hold  full  well 

Shipwrecked  Humanity. 

12. 

Thou  art  an  unborn  Breath  outbreathed 

On  angels  and  on  men, 
Subduing  all  things  to  Thyself, 

We  know  not  how  or  when. 

13. 

Thou  art  a  God  of  fire,  that  doth 

Create  while  He  consumes  ! 
A  God  of  light,  whose  rays  on  earth 

Darken  where  He  illumes  ! 


70  THE  ETERNAL  SPIRIT. 

14. 

All  things,  dread  Spirit !  to  Thy  praise 
Thy  Presence  doth  transmute ; 

Evil  itself  Thy  glory  bears, 
Its  one  abiding  fruit ! 

15. 

O  Light !  O  Love  !  O  very  God  ! 

I  dare  no  longer  gaze 
Upon  Thy  wondrous  attributes 

And  their  mysterious  ways. 

16. 

O  Spirit,  beautiful  and  dread  ! 

My  heart  is  fit  to  break 
With  Love  of  all  Thy  tenderness 

For  us  poor  sinners'  sake. 

17. 

The  love  of  Jesus  I  adore ; 

My  comfort  this  shall  be, 
That,  when  I  serve  my  dearest  Lord, 

That  service  worships  Thee  I 


VENI  CREATOR.  71 


16. 

YENI  CREATOR. 

1. 

O  come,  Creator  Spirit !  come, 
Vouchsafe  to  make  our  minds  Thy  home; 
And  with  Thy  heavenly  grace  fulfil 
The  hearts  Thou  madest  at  Thy  will. 

2. 

Thou  that  art  named  the  Paraclete, 
The  gift  of  God,  His  Spirit  sweet ; 
The  Living  Fountain,  Fire  and  Love, 
And  gracious  Unction  from  above. 

3. 

Thy  sevenfold  grace  Thou  dost  expand, 
O  Finger  of  the  Father's  Hand  ; 
True  Promise  of  the  Father,  rich 
In  gifts  of  tongues  and  various  speech. 

4. 

Kindle  our  senses  with  Thy  light ; 
And  lead  our  hearts  to  love  aright : 
Stablish  our  weakness,  and  refresh 
With  fortitude  our  fainting  flesh. 


72  VENl  SANCTE  &FIEITUS, 

5. 

Repel  far  off  our  deadly  foe, 
And  peace  on  us  forthwith  bestow; 
AVith  Thee  for  guide  we  need  not  fear, 
Where  Thou  art,  evil  comes  not  near. 

6. 

By  Thee  the  Father  let  iis  bless, 
By  Thee  the  Eternal  Son  confess, 
And  Thee  Thyself  we  evermore. 
The  Spirit  of  Them  Both,  adore. 

7. 

To  God  the  Father  let  us  raise, 
And  to  His  only  Son,  our  praise : 
Praise  to  the  Holy  Spirit  be 
Now  and  for  all  eternity. 


17. 

VENI  SANCTE  SPIRITUS. 

1. 

Come,  Holy  Spirit !  from  the  height 
Of  heaven  send  down  Thy  blessed  light! 

Come,  Father  of  the  friendless  poor  1 
Giver  of  gifts,  and  Light  of  Hearts, 
Come  with  that  unction  which  imparts 

Such  consolations  as  endure. 


VENI  SANCTE  SPIRITUS.  73 

2. 

The  SouPs  Refreshment  and  her  Guest, 
Shelter  in  heat,  in  labor  Rest, 

'I'he  sweetest  Solace  in  our  woe  i 
Come,  blissful  Light !  oh  come  and  fill, 
In  all  Thy  faithful,  heart  and  will, 

And  make  our  inward  fervor  glow. 

3. 

Where  Thou  art,  Lord !  there  is  no  ill, 
For  evil  s  self  Thy  light  can  kill : 

O  let  that  light  upon  us  rise  1 
Lord !  heal  our  w^ounds,  and  cleanse  our  stains. 
Fountain  of  grace  !  and  with  Thy  rains 

Our  barren  spirits  fertili>.e. 

4. 

Bend  with  Thy  fires  our  stubborn  will. 
And  quicken  what  the  world  would  chill, 

And  homeward  call  the  feet  that  stray  : 
Virtue's  reward,  and  final  grace. 
The  Eternal  Vision  face  to  face. 

Spirit  of  Love !  for  these  we  pray. 

5. 

Come,  Holy  Spirit  i  bid  us  live  -, 
To  those  who  trust  Thy  mercy  give 

Joys  that  through  endless  ages  flow : 
Thy  various  gifts,  foretastes  of  Heaven, 
Those  that  are  named  Thy  sacred  Seven, 

On  us,  O  God  of  love,  bestow. 
7 


74  HOLY  aiiosi] 


18. 


IIOI.Y  GHOST,  COME  DOWN  UPON  THY 
CHILDREN. 

Holy  Ghost !  come  down  upon  Thy  children, 

Give  us  grace,  and  make  us  Thine; 
Thy  tender  fires  within  us  kindle, 

Blessed  Spirit !  Dove  Divine  I 

1. 

For  all  within  us  good  and  holy 

Is  from  Thee,  Thy  precious  gift ; 
In  all  our  joys,  in  all  our  sorrows, 
Wistful  hearts  to  Thee  we  lift. 

Holy  Ghost !  come  down  upon  Thy  children, 

Give  us  grace,  and  make  us  Thine ; 
Tliy  tender  fires  within  us  kindle, 
Blessed  Spirit !  Dove  Divine ! 

2. 

For  Thou  to  us  art  more  than  father. 

More  than  sister,  in  Thy  love. 
So  gentle,  patient,  and  forbearing, 
Holy  Spirit !  heavenly  Dove  ! 

Holy  Ghost!  come  down  upon  Thy  children, 

Give  us  grace,  and  make  us  Thine ; 
Thy  tender  fires  within  us  kindle, 
Blessed  Spirit !  Dove  Divine! 


COME  DOWN  UPON  THY  CHILDREN         7o 

3. 

Oh  we  have  grieved  Thee,  gracious  Spirit ! 

Wayward,  wanton,  cold  are  we ; 
And  still  our  sins,  new  every  morning. 
Never  yet  have  wearied  Thee. 

Holy  Ghost !  come  down  upon  Thy  children, 

Give  us  grace,  and  make  us  Thine; 
Thy  tender  fires  within  us  kindle. 
Blessed  Spirit !  Dove  Divine ! 

4. 

Dear  Paraclete  !  how  hast  Thou  waited, 
While  our  hearts  w^ere  slowly  turned  \ 
How  often  hath  thy  love  been  slighted, 
While  for  us  it  grieved  and  burned  ! 

Holy  Ghost !  come  down  upon  Thy  children, 

Give  us  grace,  and  make  us  Thine; 
Thy  tender  fires  within  us  kindle. 
Blessed  Spirit !  Dove  Divine  i 

5. 

Naw,  if  our  hearts  do  not  deceive  us. 
We  would  take  Thee  for  our  Lord ! 
O  dearest  Spirit !  make  us  faithful 
To  Thy  least  and  lightest  word. 

Holy  Ghost !  come  down  upon  Thy  children. 

Give  us  grace,  and  make  us  Thine ; 
Thy  tender  fires  within  us  kindle, 
Blessed  Spirit !  Dove  Divine ! 


76  HOLY  GHOiSl]  tic 

6. 

Ah  !  sweet  Consoler !  though  we  cannot 

Love  Thee  as  Thou  lovest  us, 
Yet,  if  Thou  deign'st  our  hearts  to  kindle, 
They  will  not  be  always  thus. 

Holy  Ghost !  come  down  upon  Thy  children, 

Give  us  grace  and  make  us  Thine; 
Thy  tender  fires  within  us  kindle. 
Blessed  Spirit !  Dove  Divine ! 

7. 

With  hearts  so  vile  how  dare  we  venture, 

Holy  Ghost !  to  love  Thee  so  ? 
And  how  canst  Thou,  with  such  compassion. 
Bear  so  long  with  things  so  low  ? 

Holy  Ghost !  come  down  upon  Thy  children, 

Give  us  grace,  and  make  us  Thine ; 
Thy  tender  fires  within  us  kindle, 
Blessed  Spirit !  Dove  Divine ! 


Ipart  Sccon&. 


HYMNS    19  —  37. 


THE  SACRED  HUMANITY  uF  JESUS. 


7* 


19. 

THE  LIFE  OF  OUR  LORD. 

PARAPHRASED  FROM  THE  PARADISUS  ANIMdS, 
1. 

Father  !  Creator  !  Lord  Most  Hi^h ! 
Sweet  Jesus  !  Fount  of  Clemency  I 
Blest  Spirit !  who  dost  sanctify ! 

God  ruling  over  all ! 
The  Dolors  Christ  did  once  endure, 
Oh  grant  that  I,  with  spirit  pure, 

Devoutly  may  recall. 

2. 

Jesus  !  Thou  didst  a  Mother  choose, 
Whose  Seed  the  serpent's  head  should  bruise, 

Seed  of  a  Virgin  Womb ; 
Oh  bruise  that  serpent  now  in  me, 
Bruise  him,  good  Lord  !  that  I  may  be 

Thine  at  the  Day  of  Doom. 

3. 

Jesus !  the  saints  in  spirit  soar, 
Where  angels  hymn  for  evermore 

The  Judge  who  shall  appear ; 
Receive  a  suppliant  that  would  raise 
His  voice  unto  that  choir  of  praise, 

But  is  half  mute  through  fear. 

79 


80  THE  LIFE  OF  OUR  LORD. 

1.   THE  INFANCY  AND  YOUTH  OF  OUS  SAVIOUR 
TILL  HIS  BAPTISM. 

Jesiis !  who  from  Thy  throne  didst  come, 
And  man\s  most  vile  estate  assume, 

Our  lallen  race  to  lift, 
Oh  o;rant  that  such  transcend i no;  love 
To  me  through  thine  own  grace  may  prove 

No  ineffectual  gift. 

1. 

Jesus  !  whom  Mary  once  conceived 
Through  grace,  her  backward  fears  relieved 

By  angeFs  salutation. 
May  I,  within  a  chastened  heart, 
Conceive  Thee,  Living  Word,  who  art 

My  God  and  my  Salvation. 

2. 

Jesus  !  whom  Thy  sweet  Mother  bore 
To  Saint  Elizabeth  of  yore, 

On  Jewry's  mountain  lee ; 
Oh  mayst  Thou  oft,  in  ways  concealed, 
To  heart  but  not  to  eye  revealed, 

Vouchsafe  to  visit  me. 

3. 

Jesus  !  kind  visitant  of  earth. 
Of  sinless  and  of  painless  birth, 

Thy  Mother's  only-born, 
May  love  with  undiverted  flame 
Ascend,  and  for  Thy  glorious  Name 

All  other  nuptials  scorn. 


THE  LIFE  OF  OUR  LORD.  81 

4. 

Jesus !  the  spacious  world  was  Thine, 
Yet,  when  Thou  wouldst  Thy  Head  rech'ne, 

It  scarce  found  room  for  Thee ; 
And  Oh !  shall  sinful  man  be  bent 
On  self-sought  greatness,  not  content 

With  Christ-like  poverty. 

5. 

Jesus !  for  whom  the  Shepherds  sought 
As  Infant,  by  the  angels  taught 

From  out  the  midnight  sky. 
Oh  may  I  love  Thy  praise  on  earth, 
That  I  may  one  day  share  the  mirth 

Of  angel  hosts  on  high. 

6. 

Jesus  !  my  God  and  Saviour,  Thou, 
Sinless,  didst  as  a  sinner  bow 

To  ordinance  divine ; 
Oh  curb  my  loose  and  wandering  eyes, 
Prune  my  self-will,  and  circumcise 

This  carnal  heart  of  mine. 

7. 

Jesus !  before  Thy  manger,  kings 
Lay  prostrate  with  their  oiferings, 

A  most  unworldly  throne ; 
Thou  to  my  cradle  camest,  Lord, 
With  gifts  invisibly  outpoured 

From  waters  of  Thine  own. 


82  THE  LIFE  OF  OUR  LORD. 

8. 

Jesus !  whom  Thy  meek  ^fotlier  vowed 
To  God,  whose  law  would  have  allowed 

Her  first-born  to  go  free, 
Oh  give  me  such  an  humble  mind, 
That  in  obedience  I  may  find 

The  choicest  liberty. 

9. 

Jesus  !  sweet  fugitive,  who  fled 
From  Herod's  bloody  net  outspread 

For  Thy  dear  Infancy, 
Give  me,  O  Lord  !  like  modest  care 
To  fly  the  world  when  it  speaks  fair. 

To  steal  Thy  grace  away. 

10. 

Jesus  !  whom  Thy  sad  IMother  sought, 
And  in  the  temple  found,  who  taught 

The  aged  in  Thy  youth  : 
How  blest  are  they  who  keep  aright, 
Or  find,  when  lost,  the  living  light 

Of  Thine  eternal  truth  ! 

O  Creator  !  hear  Thy  creatures, 
Saviour  !  hear  us  when  we  pray ; 

Thou  who  dost  renew  our  natures. 
Good  Spirit !  give  us  hearts  to  say, 
Deus  meus  et  omnia  ! 


THE  LIFE  OF  OUR  LORD.  83 


2.   THE   LIFE   OF  OUR   SAVIOUR  TILL   HIS    PASSION. 

Jesus !  the  Father's  words  approve 
His  Son  in  Jordan,  while  the  Dove, 

Bright  Witness,  hovers  down ; 
So  wash  me,  Lord,  that  I  may  be, 
At  the  great  day  approved  of  Thee, 

Before  Thy  Father's  throne. 

1. 

Jesus !  who  in  the  strength  of  fast. 
Through  Adam's  three  temptations  passed, 

On  Adam's  trial  ground, 
In  me  let  hallowed  abstinence 
The  issues  seal  of  carnal  sense. 

And  Satan's  wiles  confound. 

2. 

Jesus  !  Thou  didst  the  fishers  call, 
Who  straightway  at  Thy  voice  left  all, 

To  teach  the  world  of  Thee ; 
May  I  with  ready  will  obey 
Thine  inward  call,  and  keep  the  way 

Of  Thy  simplicity. 

3. 

Jesus  !  who  deigndst  to  be  a  guest. 
Where  Mary's  gently-urged  behest 

With  Thy  kind  power  made  free, 
May  I  mine  earthly  kinsfolk  love. 
In  such  pure  ways,  that  I  may  prove 

My  greater  love  for  Thee. 


84  THE  LIFE  OF  OUM  LORD. 

4. 

Jesus  !  how  toiled  Thv  blessed  Feet 
O'er  hill  and  dale  and  stony  street, 

Through  weary  want  and  pain ! 
Oh  may  I  rather  for  Thy  sake 
The  hardships  Thou  has  hallowed  take 

Than  joys  Thou  didst  disdain. 

5. 

Jesus  !  in  all  the  zeal  of  love 
How  amiably  didst  Thou  reprove 

Poor  wretches  lost  in  sin  ! 
Ah  !  may  I  first  in  penance  live, 
Rebuking  self,  then  humbly  strive 

My  brother's  soul  to  win. 

6. 

Jesus  !  who  didst  the  multitude 
Twice  nourish  with  miraculous  food 

Of  soul  and  body  both, 
Give  me  my  daily  bread,  O  Lord, 
Thy  Flesh,  Thyself,  Incarnate  Word ! 

Which  feeds  our  heavenly  growth. 

7. 

Jesus  !  Thy  gracious  truth  revealing. 
All  sorrow  soothing,  sickness  healing. 

And  so  requiting  hate. 
Oh  grant  that  I  may  ever  be 
Like-minded,  blessed  Lord  !  with  Thee, 

And  envy  no  man's  state. 


THE  LIFE  OF  OUR  LORD.  85 

8. 

Jesus  !  transfigured  on  the  height 
Of  Tabor  in  mysterious  light 

From  heaven^s  eternal  fountain, 
If  such  the  earthly  type,  oh  lead, 
Lead  me  where  Thou  Thy  flock  dost  feed 

Upon  the  holy  mountain. 

9. 

Jesus  !  who  wept  o'er  Salem's  towers, 
Wept  for  her  long  and  baleful  hours 

Of  misery  and  sin  ! 
O  Love  Divine,  could  I  but  borrow 
From  Thy  sweet  strength  such  strength  of  sorrow 

As  might  her  pardon  win  ! 

10. 

Jesus !  and  do  I  now  behold 

My  God,  my  Saviour,  bought  and  sold, 

A  traitor's  merchandise  ? 
O  grant  that  I  may  never  be 
A  Judas,  dearest  Lord,  to  Thee, 

For  all  that  earth  can  prize. 

O  Creator !  hear  Thy  creatures, 
Saviour  !  hear  us  when  we  pray ; 

Thou  who  dost  renew  our  natures. 
Good  Spirit !  give  us  hearts  to  say, 
Deus  meus  et  omnia  ! 


86  THE  LIFE  OF  OUR  LORD. 

3.    THE   PASSION   OF   OUR  SAVIOUR   TILL   HIS 
CRUCIFIXION. 

Jesus !  who  deemdst  it  not  unmeet 
To  wash  Thine  own  disciples'  feet, 

Though  Thou  wert  Lord  of  all ; 
Teach  me  thereby  this  wisdom  meek, 
That  they  who  self-abasement  seek 

Alone  shall  fear  no  fall. 

1. 

Jesus  !  who  Thy  true  Flesh  didst  take 
Upon  the  Paschal  night,  and  break 

For  our  most  precious  Food, 
O  Living  Bread,  be  Thou  my  strength 
Through  which  the  world  and  flesh,  at  length, 

In  me  may  be  subdued, 

2. 

Jesus  !  who  in  the  garden  felt 
The  bloody  sweat,  yet  patient  knelt 

To  do  Thy  Father's  will, 
To  me  give  such  a  zealous  mind 
To  suffer,  such  a  heart  resigned 

Thy  statutes  to  fulfil. 

3. 

Jesus !  Thy  friends  are  fain  to  sleep, 
While  to  the  unresisting  Sheep 

The  cruel  wolves  repair ; 
May  I  be  found  as  meek  and  still 
By  those  who  wish  or  work  me  ill, 

And,  like  my  Lord,  at  prayer. 


THE  LIFE  OF  OUR  LORD.  87 

4. 

Jesus !  who  sawst  on  that  sad  night 
Thine  own,  Thy  chosen,  take  to  flight, 

And  leave  their  Lord  by  stealth ; 
Oh  may  we  learn  in  grief  and  care 
Those  harder  trials  still  to  bear, 

Prosperity  and  wealth. 

5. 

Jesus  !  who  meekly  silent  stood 
Before  the  accusing  multitude, 

Do  Thou  my  tongue  control, 
Set  on  my  busy  lips  Thy  seal ; 
Ascetic  silence  oft  can  heal 

The  sickness  of  the  soul. 

6. 

Jesus !  whom  Peter  then  denied. 
Thou  with  one  gentle  look  didst  chide 

The  weak  disciple's  fears ; 
If  ever  I  deny  Thy  Name, 
Thy  Cross,  oh  send  me  speedy  shame, 

Oh  give  me  Peter's  tears. 

7. 

Jesus  !  the  Judge  of  quick  and  dead. 
Thyself,  when  falsely  judged,  wert  led 

In  mock  regalia  clad  ; 
May  I  my  solemn  office  fill. 
Judge  of  myself,  and  think  no  ill, 

Not  even  of  the  bad. 


88  THE  LIFE  OF  OUR  LORD. 

8. 

Jesus  !  when  scourged  and  bnflPetcd 
And  spit  upon,  Thy  sacred  Head 

Was  bow'd  to  earth  for  me ; 
Oh  may  I  pardon  find,  and  bliss, 
And  expiating  love  in  this 

My  Lord's  indignity. 

9. 

Jesus  !  with  crown  of  ruddy  thorn 
The  Jews  Thy  tortured  brow  adorn, 

And,  jeering,  hail  Thee  king ; 
May  I,  O  Lord,  with  heart  sincere 
My  humble  zeal,  my  love  and  fear, 

And  real  homage  brinor. 

10. 

Jesus  !  for  whom  the  wicked  Jews 

A  vile  and  blood-stained  robber  choose, 

Have  mercy,  Lord,  on  me, 
And  keep  me  from  a  choice  so  base 
As  taking  wealth,  or  ease  or  place, 

Barabbas,  Lord  !  for  Thee. 

O  Creator  !  hear  Thy  cTcatures, 
Saviour  !  hear  us  when  we  pray , 

Thou  who  dost  renew  our  natures, 
Good  Spirit !  give  us  hearts  to  say, 
Deus  meus  et  0I\[NIA  \ 


THE  LIFE  OF  OUR  LORD.  89 

4.   THE  CEUCIFIXIOI^',  AND  WHAT  WAS  DONE   UPON 
THE  CEOSS. 

Jesus  !  along  Thy  proper  road 
Of  sorrows,  with  Thy  weary  Load 

How  didst  Thou  toil  and  strain  ! 
Oh  may  I  bear  the  Cross  like  Thee. 
Or  rather,  Lord,  do  Thou  in  me 

The  blessed  weight  sustain. 

1. 

Jesus  !  on  that  most  doleful  day 

How  were  Thy  garments  stripped  away, 

Thy  holy  Limbs  laid  bare ! 
Oh  may  no  works  or  ways  unclean 
Des|)oil  me  of  that  modest  mien 

Thy  servants,  Lord,  should  wear. 

2. 

Jesus  !  what  direst  agony 

Was  Thine,  upon  the  bitter  tree, 

With  healing  virtues  rife  ! 
Oh  may  I  count  all  things  but  loss, 
All  for  the  glory  of  the  Cross, 

The  sinner's  Tree  of  Life. 

3. 

Jesus  !  around  Thy  sacred  Head 
There  is  an  ominous  silence  shed. 

The  Name  which  Pilate  wrote ; 
Save  us.  Thou  royal  Nazarene  ! 
For  in  that  Threefold  Name  are  seen 

The  gifts  Thy  Passion  brought. 
8* 


90  THE  LIFE  OF  OUR  LORD. 

4. 

Jesus  !  who  to  the  Fatlier  prayed 
For  those  who  all  Thy  love  repaid 

With  this  dread  cup  of  woes, 
Teach  me  to  conquer,  Lord,  like  Thee, 
By  patience  and  benignity, 

The  thwarting  of  my  foes. 

5. 

Jesus  !  who,  come  to  seek  and  save, 
Absolved  the  thief,  and  promise  gave 

Of  peace  among  the  blest. 
Ah  !  do  Thou  give  me  penitence 
Like  this,  that  I,  when  summoned  hence, 

In  paradise  may  rest. 

6. 

Jesus  !  who  bade  the  virgin  John 

Thy  mother  take,  when  Thou  wert  gone. 

And  in  Thy  stead  to  be. 
Oh  when  I  yield  my  parting  breath, 
Be  Thou  beside  me,  and  in  death, 

Good  Lord,  remember  me. 

7. 

Jesus  !  true  Man,  who  cried  aloud, 
Toward  the  ninth  hour.  My  God,  my  God, 

O  why  am  I  forsaken  ? 
Lord  !  may  I  never  fall  from  Thee, 
Nor  e'en  in  life's  extremity 

My  humble  trust  be  shaken. 


THE  LIFE  OF  OUR  LORD.  91 

8. 

Jesus  !  athirst,  the  soldiers  think 
To  mock  Thee,  giving  Thee  to  drink 

What  might  inflame  Thy  pain  ; 
Ah  I  mindful  of  the  loathsome  draught 
Which  for  my  sins  my  Saviour  quaffed, 

May  I  my  flesh  restrain. 

9. 

Jesus !  Redeemer,  all  the  price 
Of  Adam's  sin  Thy  sacrifice 

Did  more  than  fully  pay  ; 
May  I  my  stewardship  fulfil 
With  equal  strictness,  and  Thy  will 

With  scrupulous  love  obey. 

10. 

Jesus !  Thy  Passion  at  an  end, 

Thou  didst  Thy  blameless  Soul  commend 

Unto  the  Father's  care  -, 
When  my  last  hour  is  come,  may  I 
Hasten  with  meek  alacrity 

To  do  Thy  will  elsewhere. 

O  Creator !  hear  Thy  creatures, 
Saviour  !  hear  us  when  we  pray ; 

Thou  who  dost  renew  our  natures. 
Good  Spirit !  give  us  hearts  to  say, 
Deus  meus  et  omnia  ! 


92  THE  LIFE  OF  OUR  LORD. 

5.  WHAT  WAS  DONE  AFTER  HIS  DEATH  ;  BURIALj 
EESUJIRECTION,  ASCENSION,  SESSION,  AND  SECOND 
ADVENT. 

Jesus !  all  hail,  who  for  my  sin 
Didst  die,  and  by  that  death  didst  win 

Eternal  life  for  me  ; 
Send  me  Thy  grace,  good  Lord,  that  I 
Unto  the  world  and  flesh  may  die. 

And  hide  my  life  with  Thee. 

1. 

Jesus  !  from  out  Thine  open  Side 
Thou  hast  the  thirsty  world  supplied 

With  endless  streams  of  love ; 
Come  ye  who  would  your  sickness  quell, 
Draw  freely  from  that  sacred  well, 

Its  heavenly  virtues  prove. 

2. 

Jesus !  Thy  Passion's  bitter  smart 
Pierced  like  a  sword  Thy  Mother's  heart, 

As  Simeon  prophesied ; 
So  fix  my  heart  unto  Thy  Cross, 
That  I  may  count  all  gain  but  los3 

For  Jesus  Crucified ! 

3. 

Jesus !  in  spices  wrapped  and  laid 
Within  the  garden's  rocky  shade, 

By  jealous  seals  made  sure, 
Embalm  me  with  Thy  grace,  and  hide 
Thy  servant  in  Thy  wounded  Side, 

A  heavenly  sepulture ! 


THE  LIFE  OF  OUR  LORD. 

4.       ' 

Jesus  !  who  to  the  spirits  went, 

And  preached  the  new  enfranchisement 

Thy  recent  death  had  won, 
Absolve  me,  Lord  !  and  set  me  free 
From  self  and  sin,  that  I  may  be 

Bondsman  to  Thee  alone. 

5. 

Jesus  !  who  from  the  dead  arose, 

And  straightway  sought  to  comfurt  those 

Whose  w^eak  faith  mourned  for  Thee, 
Oh  may  I  rise  from  sin  and  earth, 
And  so  make  good  that  second  birth 

Which  Thou  hast  wrought  in  me. 

6. 

Jesus  !  who  wert  at  Emmaus  known 
In  breaking  bread,  and  thus  art  shoivn 

Unto  Thy  people  now. 
Oh  may  my  heart  within  me  burn, 
When  at  the  Altar  I  discern 

Thy  Body,  Lord  !  and  bow. 

7. 

Jesus !  amid  yon  olives  hoar. 
Thy  forty  days  of  sojourn  o'er, 

Thou  didst  ascend  on  high ; 
Oh  thither  may  my  heart  and  mind 
Ascend,  their  home  and  harbor  find 

With  Jesus  in  the  sky. 


94  TffE  LIFE  OF  OUR  LORL. 

'       8. 

Josiis  !  ten  silent  days  expired, 
Tlie  Eternal  Spirit  came,  and  fired 

With  His  celestial  heat 
Thine  infant  Church  ;  Oh  may  that  light 
VYithin  one  pasture  now  unite 

Men's  widely  wandering  feet. 

9. 

Jesus  !  who  at  this  very  hour 

At  God's  Right  Hand  in  pomp  and  power 

Our  nature  still  dost  wear, 
Oh  let  Thy  Wounds  still  intercede, 
And  by  their  simple  silence  plead 

Thy  countless  merits  there. 

10. 

Jesus  !  who  shalt  in  glory  come 
With  angels  to  the  final  doom, 

Men's  works  and  wills  to  weigh, 
Since  from  that  pomp  I  cannot  flee, 
Be  pitiful,  great  Lord  !  to  me 

In  that  tremendous  day. 

O  Creator  !  hear  Thy  creatures, 
Saviour  !  hear  us  when  we  pray ; 

Thou  who  dost  renew  our  natures. 
Good  Spirit !  give  us  hearts  to  say, 
Deus  meus  et  omnia  ! 


CHRISTMAS  NIGHT.  Uo 

20. 

CHRISTMAS  NIGHT. 

1. 

At  last  Thoii  art  come,  little  Saviour  ! 

And  Thine  angels  fill  midnight  with  song ; 
Thou  art  come  to  us,  gentle  Creator  ! 

Whom  Thy  creatures  have  sighed  for  so  long. 
All  hail,  Eternal  Child  ! 
Dear  Mary's  little  Flower,* 
God  hardly  born  an  hour, 
Sweet  Babe  of  Bethlehem  ! 
Hail  Mary's  Little  One, 
Hail  God's  Eternal  Son, 
Sweet  Babe  of  Bethlehem, 
Sweet  Babe  of  Bethlehem  ! 

2. 

Thou  art  come  to  Thy  beautiful  Mother ; 

She  hath  looked  on  Thy  marvellous  Face ; 
Thou  art  come  to  us,  Maker  of  Marv  ! 
And  she  was  Thy  channel  of  grace. 
All  hail.  Eternal  Cliild  ! 
Dear  Mary's  little  Flower, 
God  hardly  born  an  hour, 
Sweet  Babe  of  Bethlehem  ! 

*When  used  at  other  times  than  Christmas,  these  two  lines 
run  thus: 

Dear  Mary's  little  Flower, 
Blooming  in  earthly  bower. 


Hail  Mary's  Little  One, 
Hail  God's  Eternal  Son, 
Sweet  Babe  of  Bethlehem, 
Sweet  Babe  of  Bethlehem  ! 

3. 

Thou  hast  brought  with  Thee  plentiful  pardon, 

And  our  souls  overflow  with  delight ; 
Our  hearts  are  half  broken,  dear  Jesus  ! 
With  the  joy  of  this  wonderful  night. 
All  hail.  Eternal  Child  ! 
Dear  Mary's  little  Flower, 
God  hardly  born  an  hour, 
Sweet  Babe  of  Bethlehem  ! 
Hail  Mary's  Little  One, 
Hail  God's  Eternal  Son, 
Sweet  Babe  of  Bethlehem, 
Sweet  Babe  of  Bethlehem  ! 

4. 

We  have  waited  so  long  for  Thee,  Saviour  ! 

Art  Thou  come  to  us,  dearest !  at  last  ? 
Oh  bless  Thee,  dear  Joy  of  Thy  Mother  ! 
This  is  worth  all  the  wearisome  past ! 
All  hail.  Eternal  Child  ! 
Dear  Mary's  little  Flower, 
God  hardly  born  an  hour. 
Sweet  Babe  of  Bethlehem  ! 
Hail  Mary's  Little  One, 
Hail  God's  Eternal  Son, 
Sweet  Babe  of  Bethlehem, 
Sweet  Bnbo  of  Bothlehem  ! 


CHRISTMAS  NIGHT.  97 


5. 


Thou  art  come,  Thou  art  come,  Child  of  !Mary  ! 

Yet  we  hardly  believe  Thou  art  come  ; — 
It  seems  such  a  wonder  to  have  Thee, 
New  Brother !  with  us  in  our  home. 
All  hail.  Eternal  Child  ! 
Dear  Mary's  little  Flower, 
God  hardly  born  an  hour. 
Sweet  Babe  of  Bethlehem  ! 
Hail  Mary's  Little  One, 
Hail  God's  Eternal  Son, 
Sweet  Babe  of  Bethlehem, 
Sweet  Babe  of  Bethlehem ! 

6. 

Thou  wilt  stay  with  us.  Master  and  Maker  1 

Thou  wilt  stay  with  us  now  evermore : 
We  will  play  with  Thee,  beautiful  Brother ! 
On  Eternity's  jubilant  shore. 

All  hail.  Eternal  Child! 
Dear  Mary's  little  Flower, 
God  hardly  born  an  hour. 
Sweet  Babe  of  Bethlehem  ! 
Hail  Mary's  Little  One, 
Hail  God's  Eternal  Son, 
Sweet  Babe  of  Bethlehem, 
Sweet  Babe  of  Bethlehem  ! 


yS  THE  INFANT  JESUS. 


21. 
THE  INFANT  JESUS. 

1. 

Dear  Little  One  !  how  sweet  Thou  art, 
Thine  eyes  liow  bright  they  shine, 

So  bright  they  ahnost  seem  to  speak 
When  Mary^s  look  meets  Thine ! 

2. 

How  faint  and  feeble  is  Thy  cry, 
Like  plaint  of  harmless  dove, 

When  Thou  dost  murmur  in  Thy  sleep 
Of  sorrow  and  of  love, 

3. 

When  Mary  bids  Thee  sleej)  Thou  sleepst. 

Thou  wakest  when  she  calls ; 
Thou  art  content  upon  her  lap, 

Or  in  the  rugged  stalls. 

4. 

Simplest  of  Babes !  with  what  a  grace 
Thou  dost  Thy  Mother's  will ! 

Thine  infant  fnshions  well  betray 
The  Godhead's  liidden  skill. 


THE  INFANT  JESUS.  99 


5. 


AVhen  Joseph  takes  Thee  in  his  arms, 
And  smooths  Thy  little  cheek, 

Thou  lookest  up  into  his  face 
So  helpless  and  so  meek. 

6. 

Yes !  Thou  art  what  Thou  seemst  to  be, 
A  thing  of  smiles  and  tears ; 

Yet  Thou  art  God,  and  heaven  and  earth 
Adore  Thee  with  their  fears. 

7. 

Yes !  dearest  Babe !  those  tiny  hands 

That  play  with  Mary's  hair, 
The  weight  of  all  the  mighty  world 

This  very  moment  bear. 

8. 

While  Thou  art  clasping  Mary's  neck 

In  timid  tight  embrace, 
The  boldest  Seraphs  veil  themselves 

Before  Thine  infant  Face. 

9. 

AMien  Mary  hath  appeased  Thy  thirst, 

And  hushed  Thy  feeble  cry. 
The  liearts  of  men  lie  open  still 

Before  Thy  slumbering  eye. 


100  THE  INFAST  JESUiS. 

10. 

Art  Thou,  weak  Babe  !  my  very  God  ? 

Oh  I  must  love  Thee  then, 
Love  Thee,  and  yearn  to  spread  Tliy  love 

Among  forgetful  men. 

11. 

O  sweet,  O  wakeful-hearted  Child  ! 

Sleep  on,  dear  Jesus  !  sleep  ; 
For  Thou  must  one  day  wake  for  me 

To  suffer  and  to  weep. 

12. 

A  Scourge,  a  Cross,  a  cruel  Crown 

Have  I  in  store  for  Thee  ; 
Yet  why  ?  one  little  tear,  O  Ijord  ! 

Ransom  enough  would  be. 

13. 

But  no  !  death  is  Thine  own  sweet  will, 

The  price  decreed  above ; 
Thou  wilt  do  more  than  save  our  souls, 

For  Thou  wilt  die  for  love. 


THE  THREE  KINGS.  10  i 

22. 

THE  THREE  KINGS. 

1. 

Who  are  these  that  ride  so  fast  o'er   the  desert's 

sandy  road, 
That  have  tracked  the  Red  Sea  shore,  and  have  swum 

the  torrents  broad ; 
AYhose  camel's  bells  are  tinkling  through  the  long 

and  starry  night — 
For  they  ride  like  men  pursued,  like  the  vanquished 


of  a  fight? 


2. 


Who  are  these  that  ride  so  fast  ?  They  are  eastern 
monarchs  three, 

AVho  have  laid  aside  their  crowns,  and  renounced 
their  high  degree ; 

The  eyes  they  love,  the  hearts  they  prize,  the  well- 
known  voices  kind. 

Their  people's  tents,  their  native  plains,  they've  left 
them  all  behind. 

3. 

The  very  least  of  faith's  dim  rays  beamed  on  them 

from  afar. 
And  that  same  hour  they  rose  from  off  their  thrones 

to  track  the  Star  : 
9* 


102  THE  THREE  KINGS. 

They  cared   not  for  the  cruel  scorn  of   those  who 

called  them  mad  ; 
Messias'  Star  was  shining,  and  their   royal   hearts 

were  glad. 

4. 

Ko  Bibles  and  no  books  of  God  were  in  that  eastern 
land, 

No  Pope,  no  blessed  Pope  had  they,  to  guide  thera 
with  his  hand ; 

No  Holy  Roman  Church  was  there,  with  its  clear 
and  strong  sunshine, 

^yith  its  voice  of  truth,  its  arm  of  power,  its  sacra- 
ments divine. 

5. 

But  a  speck  was  in  the  midnight  sky,  uncertain, 
dim,  and  far, 

And  their  hearts  were  pure,  and  heard  a  voice  pro- 
claim Messias'  Star : 

And  in  its  golden  twinkling  they  saw  more  than 
common  light. 

The  Mother  and  the  Child  they  saw  in  Bethlehem 
by  night ! 

6. 

And  what  were  crowns,  and  w^hat  were  thrones,  to 

such  a  sight  as  that  ? 
So  straight  away  they  left  their  tents,  and  bade  not 

grace  to  wait ; 


THE  THREE  KINGS.  103 

They  hardly  stop  to  slake  their  thirst  at  the  desert's 

limpid  springs, 
Nor  note  how  fair  the  landscape  is,  how  sweet  the 

skylark  sings  ! 

7. 

Whole  cities  have  turned  out  to  meet  their  royal 

cavalcade, 
Wise  colleges  and  doctors  all  their  wisdom  have  dis-^ 

played ; 
And  when  the  Star  was  dim,  they  knocked  at  Herod's 

palace  gate, 
And   troubled  with  the  news  of  faith  his  politic 

estate. 

8. 

And  they  have  knelt  in  Bethlehem  !  The  Everlast- 
ing Child 

They  saw  upon  His  mother's  lap,  earth's  monarch 
meek  and  mild ; 

His  little  feet,  with  Mary's  leave,  they  pressed  with 
loving  kiss, — 

Oh  what  were  thrones,  oh  what  were  crowns,  to  such 
a  joy  as  this  ? 

9. 

One   little   sight   of  Jesus  was   enough   for   many 

years, 
One  look  at  Him  their  stay  and  staff  in  the  dismal 

\'ale  of  tears : 


104  THE  THREE  KIi\G^. 

Their  people  for  that  sight  of  Him  they  gallantly' 

withstood, 
They  taii(rlit  His  faith,  they  preached  His  word,  and 

for  Him  shed  their  blood. 

10. 

Xh  me !  what  broad  daylight  of  faltli  our  thankless 

souls  receive. 
How  much  we  know  of  Jesus,  and  how  easy  to 

believe : 
'Tis  the  noonday  of  His  sunshine,  of  His  sun  that 

setteth  never : 
Faith  gives  us  crowns,  and  makes  us  kings,  and  our 

kingdom  is  forever. 

11. 

Oh  glory  be  to  God  on  high  for  these  Arabian 
kings, 

These  miracles  of  royal  faith,  with  eastern  offer- 
ings : 

For  Gaspar  and  for  Melchior  and  Balthazzar,  who 
from  far 

Found  Mary  out  and  Jesus  by  the  siiining  of  a 
Star ! 

12. 

Let  us  ask  these  martyrs,  then,  these  monarchs  of  the 

xLast, 
Who  are  sitting  now  in  heaven  at  their  Saviour's 

endless  feast, 


THE  PURIFICATION.  105 

To  get   us  faith  from  Jesus,  and  hereafter  faith's 

bright  home, 
And  day  and  night  to  thank  Him  for  the  glorious 

Faith  of  Rome  I 


23. 

THE  PURIFICATIOK 
1. 

Joy  !  Joy  !  the  Mother  comes, 
And  in  her  arms  she  brings 

The  Light  of  all  the  world, 

The  Christ,  the  King  of  Kings : 

And  in  her  heart  the  while 
All  silently  she  sings. 

2. 

Saint  Joseph  follows  near. 

In  rapture  lost  and  love. 
While  angels  round  about 

In  glowing  circles  move. 
And  o'er  the  Mother  broods 

The  Everlasting  Dove. 

3. 

There  in  the  temple  court 

Old  Simeon's  heart  beats  high, 

And  Anna  feeds  her  soul 
With  food  of  prophecy ; 

But,  see  !  the  shadows  pass, 

The  world's  true  Light  draws  nigh. 


106  TITE  PURIFICATION. 

4. 

O  Infant  God  !  O  Christ ! 

O  Light  most  Ix'autiful  ! 
Thou  com  est,  Joy  of  Joys  ! 

All  darkness  to  annul ; 
And  brightest  lights  of  earth 

Beside  Thy  Light  are  dull, 

5. 

O  Mary  !  bear  Him  quick 

Into  His  temple  gate, 
For  poor,  impatient  souls 

His  healing  sunrise  wait ; 
And  pay  His  price  that  He 

May  be  emancipate. 

6. 

Yes  !  thou  wilt  set  Him  free ; 

He  will  be  wholly  ours, 
To  lighten  every  soul 

In  earth's  benighted  bowers, 
Undoing  Adam's  curse. 

And  turning  thorns  to  flowers. 

7. 

Ah  with  what  thrills  of  awe 
The  Mother's  heart  is  teeming. 

To  think  the  newborn  liglit 

That  o'er  the  world  is  streaming 

At  His  own  Mother's  hand 

Should  stoop  to  need  redeeming. 


LENT.  107 


8. 

Thf  n  to  that  Mother  now 
All  rightful  worship  be! 

For  thou  hast  ransomed  Him 
Who  first  did  ransom  thee ; 

Oh,  with  thy  Mother's  tongue 
Pray  Him  to  ransom  me  ! 


24. 

LENT. 
1. 


Now  are  the  days  of  humblest  prayer, 
When  consciences  to  God  lie  bare, 
And  mercy  most  delights  to  spare. 
O  hearken  when  we  cry, 

Chastise  us  with  Thy  fear ; 
Yet,  Father  !  in  the  multitude 
Of  Thy  compassions,  hear  ! 

2. 

Now  is  the  season,  wisely  long. 
Of  sadder  thought  and  graver  song, 
When  ailing  souls  grow  well  and  strong. 
Oh  hearken  when  Ave  cry, 

Chastise  us  with  Thy  fear ! 
Yet,  Father!  in  the  multitude 
Of  Thy  compassions,  hear  ! 


108  LENT. 


3. 


The  feast  of  penance !  Oh  so  l^right, 
With  true  conversion's  heavenly  light, 
Like  sunrise  after  stormy  night! 
Oh  hearken  when  we  cry, 

Chastise  us  with  Thy  fear ; 
Yet,  Father  !  in  the  multitude 
Of  Thy  compassions,  hear  ! 

4. 

O  happy  time  of  blessed  tears, 
Of  surer  hopes,  of  chastening  fears, 
Undoing  all  our  evil  years. 
Oh  hearken  when  we  cry. 

Chastise  us  with  Thy  fear ; 
Yet,  Father  !  in  the  multitude 
Of  Thy  compassions,  hear  ! 

5. 

We,  who  have  loved  the  world,  must  learn, 
Upon  that  world  our  backs  to  turn. 
And  with  the  love  of  God  to  burn. 
Oh  hearken  when  we  cry. 

Chastise  us  with  Thy  fear ; 
Yet,  Father  !  in  the  multitude 
Of  Thy  compassions,  hear ! 

6. 

Vile  creatures  of  such  little  worth  ! — 
Than  we,  there  can  be  none  on  earth 
More  fallen  from  their  Christian  birth. 


THE  AGONY.  1U9 

Oh  hearken  when  ^ve  ciy, 

Chastise  us  with  Thy  fear; 
Yet,  Father !  in  the  multitude 

Of  Thy  com]:)assionSj  hear  ! 

7. 

Full  long  in  sin^s  dark  ways  we  went, 
Yet  now  our  steps  are  heavenward  bent, 
And  grace  is  plentiful  in  Lent. 
Oh  hearken  when  we  cry, 

Chastise  us  with  Thy  fear ; 
Yet,  Father !  in  the  multitude 
Of  Thy  compassions,  hear ! 

8. 

All  glory  to  redeeming  grace. 
Disdaining  not  our  evil  case. 
But  showing  us  our  Saviour's  face ! 
Oh  hearken  when  we  cry, 

Chastise  us  with  Thy  fear ; 
Yet,  Father !  in  the  multitude 
Of  Thy  compassionSj  hear ! 


25. 

THE  AGOXY. 
1. 

O  Soul  of  Jesus,  sick  to  death ! 

Thy  Blood  and  prayer  togetiier  plead  ; 
My  sins  have  bowed  Thee  to  the  ground, 

A    the  storm  bows  the  feeble  reed. 

10 


110  THE  AGONY. 

2. 

Midniglit — and  still  the  oppressive  load 
Upon  Tliy  tortured  Heart  doth  lie ; 

Still  the  abhorred  procession  winds 
Before  Thy  spirit's  (quailing  eye. 

3. 

Deep  waters  have  come  in,  O  Lord ! 

All  darkly  on  Thy  Human  Soul ; 
And  clouds  of  supernatural  gloom 

Around  Thee  are  allowed  to  roll. 

4. 

The  wei^-ht  of  the  eternal  wrath 

Drives  over  Thee  with  pressure  dread ; 

And,  forced  upon  the  olive  roots, 

In  deathlike  sadness  droops  Thy  Head. 

6. 

Thy  spirit  weighs  the  sins  of  men ; 

Thy  science  fathoms  all  their  guilt ; 
Thou  sickenest  heavily  at  Thy  Heart, 

And  the  pores  open, — Blood  is  spilt. 

6. 

And  Thou  hast  struggled  witli  it,  Lord, 
Even  to  the  limit  of  Thy  strength, 

While  liours  whose  minutes  were  as  years, 
Slowly  fulfilled  their  weary  length. 


THE  AGONY.  Ill 


7. 


Aucl  Thou  hast  shuddered  at  each  act, 
And  shrunk  with  an  astonished  fear, 

As  if  Thou  couldst  not  bear  to  see 
The  loathsomeness  of  sin  so  near. 

8. 

Sin  and  the  Father's  Anger!  they 
Have  made  Thj  lower  nature  faint ; 

All  save  the  love  within  Thy  Heart, 
Seemed  for  the  moment  to  be  spent, 

9. 

My  God  !  My  God  !  and  can  it  be 
That  I  should  sin  so  lightly  now, 

And  think  no  more  of  evil  thoughts. 
Than  of  the  wind  that  waves  the  bough  ? 

10. 

I  sin, — and  heaven  and  earth  go  rouiiJ, 
As  if  no  dreadful  deed  were  done. 

As  if  God's  Blood  had  never  flowed 
To  hinder  sin,  or  to  atone, 

11. 

I  walk  the  earth  with  lightsome  step, 
Smile  at  the  sunshine,  breathe  the  air, 

Do  my  own  will,  nor  ever  heed 
Gethsemane  and  Thy  long  prayer. 


112  THE  AGONY, 


12. 


Slmll  it  be  always  thus,  O  Lord? 

Wilt  Thou  not  work  this  hour  in  me 
The  grace,  Thy  passion  merited. 

Hatred  of  self  and  love  of  Thee  ? 

13. 

Oh  by  the  pains  of  Thy  pure  love, 
Grant  me  the  gift  of  holy  fear ; 

And  give  me  of  Thy  Bloody  Sweat 
To  wash  my  guilty  conscience  clear ! 

14. 

Ever  when  tempted,  make  me  see. 

Beneath  the  olive's  moon-pierced  shade, 

My  God,  alone,  outstretched,  and  bruised, 
And  bleeding,  on  the  earth  He  made. 

15. 

Ajid  make  me  feel  it  was  my  sin, 
As  though  no  other  sins  there  were, 

That  was  to  Him  who  bears  the  world 
A  load  that  He  could  scarcely  bear  I 


JESW  CRUCIFIED,  113 


26. 

JESUS  CRUCIFIED. 

1. 

Oh  come  and  mourn  with  me  awhile . 

See,  Mary  calls  us  to  her  side ; 
Oh  come  and  let  us  mourn  with  her ; 

Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified? 

2. 

Have  we  no  tears  to  shed  for  Him ; 

While  soldiers  scoff  and  Jews  deride  ? 
Ah  !  look  how  patiently  He  hangs ; 

Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified  ! 

3. 

How  fast  His  Hands  and  Feet  are  nailed ; 

His  blessed  Tongue  with  thirst  is  tied ; 
His  failino;  Eves  are  blind  with  blood ; 

Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified  ! 

4. 

His  Mother  cannot  reach  His  Face; 

She  stands  in  helplessness  beside ;  ' 
Her  heart  is  martyred  with  her  Son's ; 

Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified  ! 

10* 


114  JESUS  CRUCIFIED. 


5. 


Seven  times  He  spoke,  seven  words  of  love, 
And  all  three  hours  His  silenee  cried 

For  mercy  on  the  souls  of  men  ; 
Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified  ! 

6. 

Whnt  was  Thy  crime,  my  dearest  Lord  ? 

By  earth,  by  heaven,  Thou  hast  been  tried, 
And  guilty  found  of  too  much  love ; 

Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified  ! 

7. 

Found  guilty  of  excess  of  love. 

It  was  Thine  own  sweet  will  that  tied 

Thee  tighter  fir  than  helpless  nails ; 
Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified  ! 


8. 


Death  came,  and  Jesus  meekly  bowed ; 

His  failing  eyes  He  strove  to  guide 
With  mindful  love  to  Mary^s  face, 

Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified  ! 

9. 

Oh  break,  oh  break,  hard  heart  of  mine! 

Thy  weak  self-love  and  guilty  pride 
His  Pilate  and  His  Judas  were ; 

Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified  ! 


FROM  PAIN  TO  PAIN.  115 

10. 

(^ome,  take  thy  stand  beneath  the  Cross, 
And  let  the  Blood  from  out  that  Side 

Fall  gently  on  thee  drop  by  drop ; 
Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified  ! 

11. 

A  broken  heart,  a  fount  of  tears, 
Ask,  and  they  Avill  not  be  denied ; 

A  broken  heart,  love's  cradle  is ; 
Jesus,  our  Love,  is  crucified  ! 

12. 

O  Love  of  God  !  O  Sin  of  man  ! 

In  this  dread  act  your  strength  is  tried ; 
And  victory  remains  with  love ; 

For  He,  our  Love,  is  crucified ! 


FROM  PAIN  TO  PAIN. 

[Verse  sung  at  the  Way  of  the  Cross  at  the  Oratory.] 

From  pain  to  pain,  from  woe  to  woe. 
With  loving  hearts  and  footsteps  slow, 
To  Calvary  with  Christ  we  go. 
See  how  His  Precious  Blood 

At  every  Station  pours  ! 
Was  ever  grief  like  His  ? 
Was  ever  sin  like  ours  ? 


1 1 G  THE  PRECIO  US  BLOOD, 


27. 

THE  PRECIOUS  BLOOD. 

[from  the  ITALIAN.] 
1. 

Hail  Jesus  !  Hail !  who  for  my  sake 
Sweet  Blood  from  Mary's  veins  didst  take, 

And  shed  it  all  for  me ; 
Oh  blessed  be  my  Saviour's  Blood, 
My  life,  my  light,  my  only  good, 

To  all  eternity. 

2. 

To  endless  ages  let  us  praise 

The  Precious  Blood,  whose  price  could  raise 

The  world  from  wrath  and  sin  ; 
Whose  streams  our  inward  thirst  appease, 
And  heal  the  sinner's  worst  disease, 

If  he  but  bathe  therein. 

3. 

O  sweetest  Blood,  that  can  implore 
Pardon  of  God,  and  heaven  restore, 

The  heaven  which  sin  had  lost : 
While  Abel's  blood  for  vono;('ance  pleiids, 
AV^hat  Jesus  shed  still  intercedes 

For  those  who  wrong  Him  most. 


BLOOD  IS  THE  PRICE  OF  HEAVEN.       117 

4. 

Oh  to  be  sprinkled  from  the  wells 
Of  Christ's  own  sacred  Blood,  excels 

Earth's  best  and  highest  bliss  : 
The  ministers  of  wrath  divine 
Hurt  not  the  happy  hearts  that  shine 

With  those  red  drops  of  His  ! 

5. 

Ah  !  there  is  joy  amid  the  saints, 
And  helPs  despairing  courage  faints 

When  this  sweet  song  we  raise : 
Oh  louder  then,  and  louder  still, 
Earth  with  one  mighty  chorus  fill, 

The  Precious  Blood  to  praise  ! 

To  all  the  faithful  who  say  or  sing  the  above  Hymn,  Pius 
VII  grants  an  indulgence  of  100  days :  applicable  also  to  the 
souls  in  Purgatory. 


28. 

BLOOD  IS  THE  PRICE  OF  HEAVEN. 

1. 

Blood  is  the  price  of  heaven ; 
All  sin  that  price  exceeds ; 
Oh  come  to  be  forgiven, — ■ 
He  bleeds. 
My  Saviour  bleeds ! 
Bleeds ! 


118        BLOOD  IS  THE  riUCE  OF  HEAVEN, 

2. 

Under  the  olive  boughs, 

Fallhig  like  ruby  beads, 
The  Blood  drops  from  His  brows, 
He  bleeds, 
My  Saviour  bleeds ! 
Bleeds ! 

3. 

While  the  fierce  scourges  fall, 

The  Precious  Blood  still  pleads: 
In  front  of  Pilate's  hall 
He  bleeds, 
My  Saviour  bleeds ! 
Bleeds ! 

4. 

Beneath  the  thorny  crown 

The  crimson  fountain  speeds  j 
See  how  it  trickles  down, — 
He  bleeds, 

My  Saviour  bleeds ! 
Bleeds  ! 

5. 

Bearing  the  fatal  wood 

His  band  of  saints  He  leads, 
Marking  the  way  with  Blood; 
He  bleeds. 
My  Saviour  bleeds! 
Bleeds! 


BLOOD  IS  THE  PRICE  OF  HEAVEN,        119 

6. 

On  Calvary  His  shame 

With  Biood  stiii  intercedes; 
His  open  A¥onnd-  proclaim — 
He  bleeds, 
My  Saviour  bleeds ! 
Bleeds  ! 

7. 

He  hangs  upon  the  tree, 

Hangs  there  for  my  misdeeds ; 
He  sheds  His  Blood  for  me ; 
He  bleeds, 
My  Saviour  bleeds ! 
Bleeds ! 


Ah  me !  His  soul  is  fled  ; 

Yet  still  for  my  great  needs 
He  bleeds  when  He  is  dead ; 
He  bleeds, 
My  Saviour  bh  eds ! 
Bleeds ! 

9. 

His  Blcod  is  flowing  still ; 
My  thirsty  soul  it  feeds ; 
He  lets  me  drink  my  fill ; 
He  bleeds, 
My  Saviour  bleeds ! 
Bleeds ! 


120     WE  COME  TO  TUBE,  SWEET  SAVIOUR, 

10. 

O  Sweet !  O  Precious  Blood  ! 

What  love,  wliat  love  it  hreevls, 
Kaiisom,  Keward,  and  Food, 
He  bleeds, 
My  Saviour  bleeds ! 
Bleeds ! 


29. 
WE  COME  TO  THEE,  SWEET  SAVIOUR. 

1. 

We  come  to  Thee,  sweet  Saviour  ! 
Just  because  we  need  Thee  so  : 
None  need  Thee  more  than  we  do ; 
Nor  are  half  so  vile  or  low. 
O  bountiful  salvation ! 
O  life  eternal  won  ! 
O  plentiful  redemption  ! 
O  Blood  of  Mary's  Son  ! 

2. 

We  come  to  Thee,  sweet  Saviour  ! 

None  will  have  us.  Lord  !  but  Thee  ; 
And  we  want  none  but  Jesus, 

And  His  grace  that  makes  us  free. 
O  bountiful  salvation  ! 
O  life  eternal  won  ! 
O  plentilul  redemption  ! 
O  Blood  of  IVFary's  Son  ! 


WE  COME  TO  TUEE,  SWEET  SAVIOUR.    121 

3. 

We  come  to  Thee,  sweet  Saviour ! 

For  our  sins  are  worse  than  ever ; 
Dear  Shepherd  of  the  outcast ; 
But  Thy  patience  wearies  never. 
O  bountiful  salvation ! 
O  life  eternal  won  ! 
O  plentiful  redemption ! 
O  Blood  of  Mary's  Son  ! 

4. 

We  come  to  Thee,  sweet  Saviour ! 

With  our  broken  faith  again ! 
We  know  Thou  wilt  forgive  us, 
Nor  upbraid  us,  nor  complain. 
O  bountiful  salvation ! 
O  life  eternal  won  ! 
O  plentiful  redemption ! 
O  Blood  of  Mary's  Son ! 

5. 

We  come  to  Thee,  sweet  Saviour ! 
It  is  love  that  makes  us  come : 
We  are  certain  of  our  welcome, 
Of  our  Father's  welcome  home. 
O  bountiful  salvation ! 
O  life  eternal  won  ! 
O  plentiful  redemption  ! 
O  Blood  of  Mary's  Son ! 

11 


122     WE  COME  TO  THEE,  SWEET  SAVIOUR. 

6: 

We  rome  to  Thee,  sweet  Saviour  1 

Fear  brings  us  in  our  need ; 
For  Thy  hand  never  breaketh, 
Not  the  frailest  bruised  reed. 
O  bountiful  salvation ! 
O  life  eternal  won  ! 
O  plentiful  redemption ! 
O  Blood  of  Mary's  Son  I 

7. 

We  come  to  Thee,  sweet  Saviour ! 

For  to  whom,  Lord  !  can  we  go  ? 
The  words  of  life  eternal 

From  Thy  lips  for  ever  flow. 
O  bountiful  salv^ation ! 
O  life  eternal  won  ! 
O  plentiful  redemption ! 
O  Blood  of  Mary's  Son ! 

8. 

We  come  to  Thee,  sweet  Saviour ! 
We  have  tried  Thee  oft  before; 
But  now  yjM  come  more  wholly, . 
With  the  heart  to  love  Thee  more. 
O  bountiful  salvation ! 
O  life  eternal  won  ! 
O  plentiful  redemption ! 
O  Blood  of  Mary's  Son  ! 


THE  DESCENT  OF  JESUS  TO  LIMBUS.     I'^o 

9. 

We  come  to  Thee,  sweet  Saviour ! 

^Tis  in  answer  to  Thy  call, 
Dear  Hope  of  the  unworthy ! 
Dearest  Merit  of  us  all ! 
O  bountiful  salvation ! 

O  life  eternal  won  ! 
O  plentiful  redemption  ! 
O  Blood  of  Mary's  Son  I 

10. 

We  come  to  Thee,  sweet  Saviour ! 
And  Thou  wilt  not  ask  us  why : 
We  cannot  live  without  Thee, 
And  still  less  without  Thee  die. 
O  bountiful  salvation ! 
O  life  eternal  won  ! 
O  plentiful  redemption ! 
O  Blood  of  Mary's  Son  ! 


30. 

THE  DESCENT  OF  JESUS  TO  LIMBUS, 

1. 

Thousands  of  years  had  come  and  gone, 
And  slow  the  ages  seemed  to  move 

To  those  expectant  souls  that  filled 
That  prison-house  of  patient  love. 


124      THE  DESCENT  OF  JESUS  TO  LIMB  US. 

2. 

It  was  a  weary  watch  of  theirs, 

But  onward  still  their  hopes  would  press ;> 

Captives  they  were,  yet  happy  too, 
In  their  couteuted  weariness. 

3. 

As  noiseless  tides  the  ample  depths 
Of  some  capacious  harbor  fill, 

So  grew  the  calm  of  that  dread  place 
Each  day  with  increase  swift  and  still. 

4. 

Sweet  tidings  there  St.  Joseph  took ; 

The  Saviour's  work  had  then  begun, 
And  of  His  Three-and-Thirty  Years 

But  three  alone  were  left  to  run. 

5. 

And  Eve  like  Joseph's  shadow  hung 
About  him  wheresoever  he  went ; 

She  lived  on  thoughts  of  Mary's  child, 
Trembled  with  hope,  and  was  content. 

6. 

But  see  how  hushed  the  crowd  of  souls ! 

Whence  comes  the  light  of  upper  day  ? 
What  glorious  Form  is  this  that  finds. 

Through  central  earth  its  ready  way  ? 


JESUS  RISEN,  125 

7. 

'Tis  God  !  'tis  Man  !  the  living  Soul 

Of  Jesus,  beautiful  and  bright, 
The  first-born  of  created  things, 

Flushed  with  a  pure  resplendent  light. 

8. 

'Twas  Mary's  child  !  Eve  saw  Him  come  ; 

She  flew  from  Joseph's  haunted  side. 
And  worshipped,  first  of  all  that  crowd, 

The  Soul  of  Jesus  Crucified. 

9. 

So  after  four  long  thousand  years, 

Faith  reached  her  end,  and  Hope  her  aim, 

And  from  them,  as  they  passed  away, 
Love  lit  her  everlasting  flame  1 


31. 

JESUS  RISEN. 

1. 

All  hail !  dear  Conqueror  !  all  hail ! 

Oh  what  a  victory  is  Thine  ! 
How  beautiful  Thy  strength  appears, 

Thy  crimson  AYounds,  how  bright  they  shine  ! 
11* 


12(j  JESUS  RISEN. 

2. 

Thou  earnest  at  the  dawn  of  day  ; 

Armies  of  souls  around  Tliee  wcre^ 
Blest  spirits,  thronginti;  to  adore 

Tliy  Flesh,  so  marvellous,  so  fair. 

3. 

The  everlasting  Godhead  lay 

Shrouded  within  those  Limbs  Divine, 

Nor  left  untenanted  one  hour 

That  sacred  Human  Heart  of  Thine. 

4. 

They  worshipped  Thee,  those  ransonied  souls, 
With  the  fresh  strength  of  love  set  free ; 

They  worshipped  joyously,  and  thought 
Of  Mary  while  they  looked  on  Thee. 

5. 

And  Thon,  too.  Soul  of  Jesus  !  Thou 
Towards  that  sacred  Flesh  didst  yearn, 

And  for  the  beatings  of  tliat  Heart 
How  ardently  Thy  love  did  buru. 

6. 

They  worshipped,  while  the  beauteous  Soul 
Paused  by  the  Body's  wounded  Side : — 

Bright  flashed  the  cave, — before  them  stood 
The  Living  Jesus  Glorified. 


JESUS  RISEN.  l27 


7. 


Down,  down,  all  lofty  things  on  earth. 

And  worship  Him  with  joyous  dread ! 
O  Sin  !  tlioa  art  outdone  by  love  ! 

0  Death  !  thou  art  discomfited  ! 

8. 

Ye  Heavens,  how  sang  they  in  your  courts, 
How  sang  the  angelic  choirs  that  day. 

When  from  His  tomb  the  imprisoned  God, 
Like  the  strong  sunrise,  broke  away  ? 

9. 

Oh  I  am  burning  so  with  love, 

1  fear  lest  I  should  make  too  free ; 
Let  me  be  silent  and  adore 

Thy  glorified  Humanity. 

10. 

Ah  !  new  Thou  sendest  me  sweet  tears ; 

Fluttered  with  love,  my  spirits  fail, — 
What  shall  I  say?     Thou  knowst  my  lieart ; 

All  hail  !  dear  Conqueror  !  all  hail ! 


128  THE  APPARITION  OF  JESUS 


32. 

THE  APPARITION  OF  JESUS  TO  OUR 
BLESSED  LADY. 

1. 

O  Queen  of  Sorrows  !  raise  thine  eyes ; 

See  !  the  first  light  of  dawn  is  there ; 
The  houi    s  come  and  thou  must  end 

Thy  Forty  Hours  of  lonely  prayer. 

2. 

Day  dawns  ;  it  brightens  on  the  hill : 
New  grace,  new  powers  within  her  wake, 

Lest  the  full  tide  of  joy  should  crush 
The  heart  that  sorrow  could  not  break. 

3. 

Oh  never  yet  had  Acts  of  Hope 
Been  offered  to  the  throne  on  high, 

Like  those  that  died  on  Mary's  lip, 

And  beamed  from  out  her  glistening  eye. 

4. 

Hush  !  there  is  silence  in  her  heart. 

Deeper  than  when  Saint  Gabriel  spoke. 

And  u])on  midniglit's  tinkling  ear 
Tlie  blessed  Ave  sweetly  broke. 


TO  OUR  BLESSED  LADY.  129 

5. 

Ah  me  !  what  wondrous  change  is  this  ! 

What  trembling  floods  of  noiseless  light ! 
Jesus  before  His  Mother  stands, 

Jesus,  all  beautiful  and  bright ! 

6. 

He  comes  !  He  comes  !  and  will  she  run 

With  freest  love  her  Child  to  greet?  , 

He  came  !  and  she,  His  creature,  fell 
Prostrate  at  her  Creator's  Feet. 

7. 

He  raised  her  up ;  He  pressed  her  head 

Gently  against  His  wounded  Side ; 
He  gave  her  spirit  strength  to  bear 

The  sight  of  Jesus  Glorified. 

8. 

From  out  His  Eyes,  from  out  His  Wounds 

A  power  of  awful  beauty  shone  ; 
Oh  how  the  speechless  Mother  gazed 

Upon  the  glory  of  her  Son ! 

9. 

She  could  not  doubt ;  'twas  truly  He 

Who  had  been  with  her  from  the  first, — 

The  very  Eyes,  the  Mouth,  the  Hair, 
The  very  Babe  whom  she  had  nursed, — 


130  THE  APPARITION  OF  JESUS,  &c. 

10. 

Her  bunion  o'er  the  desert  sand, 

The  hel])niate  of  her  toils, — 'twas  He,  ' 

He  by  whoso  deathbed  she  had  stood 
Long  hours  beneath  the  bleeding  Tree. 

11. 

His  crimson  Wounds,  they  shone  like  suns, 
His  beaming  Hand  was  raised  to  bless ; 

The  sweetness  of  His  voice  had  hushed 
The  angels  into  silentness. 

12. 

His  sacred  Flesh  like  spirit  glowed, 
Glowed  with  immortal  beauty's  might : 

His  smiles  were  like  the  virgin  rays 
That  sprang  from  new-created  light. 

13. 

When  wilt  thou  drink  that  beauty  in  ? 

Mother  !  when  wilt  thou  satisfy 
With  those  adoring  looks  of  love 

The  thirst  of  thine  ecstatic  eye? 

14. 

Not  yet,  not  yet,  thy  wondrous  joy 
Is  filled  to  its  mysterious  brim ; 

Thou  hast  another  sight  to  see 
To  which  this  vision  is  t|ut  dim  ! 


THE  ASCENSION,  131 


15. 


Jesus  Into  His  ^lother's  heart 

A  special  gift  of  strength  did  pour, 

That  she  might  bear  what  none  had  borne 
Amid  the  sons  of  earth  before. 

16. 

Oh  let  not  words  be  bold  to  tell 

What  in  the  Mother's  heart  was  done, 

When  for  a  moment  Mary  saw 

The  unshrouded  Godhead  of  her  Son. 

17. 

What  bliss  for  us  that  Jesus  gave 

To  her  such  wondrous  gifts  and  powers ; 

It  is  a  joy  the  joys  were  hers, 
For  Mary's  joys  are  doubly  ours  1 


33. 

THE  ASCENSION. 

1. 

Why  is  thy  face  so  lit  with  smiles. 
Mother  of  Jesus  !  why  ? 

And  wherefore  is  thy  beaming  look 
So  fixed  upon  the  sky? 


132  THE  ASCENSION. 

2. 

From  out  thine  overflowing  eyes 
Brio;lit  lights  of  gladness  part, 

As  though  some  gushing  fount  of  joy 
Had  broken  in  thy  heart. 

3. 

Mother  !  how  canst  thou  smile  to-day? 

How  can  thine  eyes  be  bright, 
When  He,  thy  Life,  thy  Love,  thine  All, 

Hath  vanished  from  thy  sight  ? 


His  rising  form  on  Olivet 

A  summer's  shadow  cast ; 
The  branches  of  the  hoary  trees 

Drooped  as  the  shadow  passed. 

5. 

And,  as  He  rose  with  all  His  train 

Of  righteous  souls  around. 
His  blessing  fell  into  thine  lieart, 

Like  dew  upon  the  ground. 

6. 

Down  stooped  a  silver  cloud  from  heaven, 

The  Eternal  Spirit's  car. 
And  on  the  lessening  vision  went, 

Like  some  receding  star. 


THE  ASCENSION.  133 


7. 


The  silver  cloud  hath  sailed  away, 

The  skies  are  blue  and  free ; 
The  road  that  vision  took  is  now 

Sunshine  and  vacancy. 

8. 

The  Feet  which  thou  hast  kissed  so  oft, 
Those  living  Feet,  are  gone ; 

Mother !  thou  canst  but  stoop  and  kiss 
Their  print  upon  the  stone. 

9. 

He  loved  the  flesh  thou  gavest  Him, 

Because  it  was  from  thee ; 
He  loved  it,  for  it  gave  Him  power 

To  bleed  and  die  for  me. 

10. 

That  Flesh  with  its  five  witness  Wounds 

Unto  His  throne  He  bore, 
For  God  to  love,  and  spirits  blest 

To  worship  evermore. 

11. 

Yes  !  He  hath  left  thee,  Mother  dear ! 

His  throne  is  far  above ; 
How  canst  thou  be  so  full  of  joy. 

When  thou  hast  lost  thy  love  ? 

12 


134  THE  ASCEliSlON. 

12. 

For  snroly  oartli's  poor  sunshine  now 
To  thee  mere  gh)oin  aj^pears, 

AYhcn  He  is  gone  who  was  its  light 
For  Three-and-Thirty  Years ! 

13. 

Why  do  not  thy  sweet  hands  detain 

His  Feet  upon  their  way  ? 
Oh  why  doth  not  the  Mother  speak, 

And  bid  her  Son  to  stay  ? 

14. 

Ah  no  !  thy  love  is  rightful  love, 

From  all  self-seeking  free ; 
The  change  that  is  such  gain  to  Him 

Can  be  no  loss  to  thee ! 

15. 

'Tis  sweet  to  feel  our  Saviour's  love, 

To  feel  His  Presence  near ; 
Yet  loyal  love  His  glory  holds 

A  thousand  times  more  dear, 

16. 

Who  would  have  known  the  way  to  love 

Our  Jesus  as  we  ought, 
If  thou  in  varied  joy  or  woe 

Hadst  not  that  lesson  taught? 


PENTECOST.  135 


17. 


All !  never  is  our  love  so  pure 
As  when  refined  by  pain, 

Or  when  God^s  glory  upon  earth 
Finds  in  our  loss  its  gain  ! 

18. 

True  love  is  worship  :  Mother  dear  I 

Oh  gain  for  us  the  light 
To  love,  because  the  creature's  love 

Is  the  Creator's  rip:ht : 


34. 

PENTECOST. 

1. 

No  track  is  on  the  sunny  sky, 
No  footprints  on  the  air ; 

Jesus  hath  gone :  the  face  of  earth 
Is  desolate  and  bare. 

2. 

The  blessed  feet  of  Mary's  Son, 
They  tread  the  streets  no  more ; 

His  soul-converting  voice  gives  not 
Its  music  as  before. 


136  J^^E^TECOST, 

3. 

His  Mother  sits  all  worshipful 

With  her  majestic  mien  ; 
The  princes  of  the  infont  Church 

Are  gathered  round  their  Queen. 

4. 

They  gaze  on  her  with  raptured  eyes, 
Her  features  are  like  His ; 

Her  presence  is  their  ample  strength, 
Her  face  reflects  their  bliss. 

5. 

That  Upper  Room  is  heaven  on  earth ; 

Within  its  precincts  lie 
All  that  earth  has  of  faith,  or  hope, 

Or  heaven-born  charity. 

6. 

The  Eye  of  God  looks  down  on  them, 
His  love  is  centered  there, 

His  Spirit  yearns  to  be  overcome 
By  their  sweet  strife  of  prayer. 

7. 

The  Mother  prays  her  mighty  prayer 
In  accents  meek  and  faint, 

And  highest  heaven  is  quick  to  own 
The  beautiful  constraint. 


FEJSTECOST.  137 


8. 


The  Eternal  Son  takes  up  the  prayer 

Upon  His  royal  throne  ; 
The  Son  His  human  Mother  hears, 

The  Sire  His  equal  Son. 

9. 

The  Spirit  hears,  and  He  consents 

His  mission  to  fulfil ; 
For  what  is  asked  hath  ever  been 

His  own  eternal  will. 

10. 

Ten  days  and  nights  in  Acts  Divine 

Of  awful  love  were  spent, 
While  Mary  and  her  children  prayed 

The  Spirit  might  be  sent. 

11. 

The  joy  of  angels  grew  and  grew 
On  Mary's  wondrous  prayer, 

And  the  Divine  Complacence  stooped 
To  feed  His  glory  there. 

12. 

Her  eyes  to  heaven  were  humbly  raised, 
While  for  her  Spouse  she  prayed '; 

Methought  the  sweetness  of  her  prayer 
His  blissful  coming  stayed. 

-j  9* 


138  FENTECOST. 

13. 

For  ever  ooming  did  He  seem, 

For  ever  on  the  wing ; 
ITis  chosen  angels  round  His  Throne 

Now  gazed,  now  ceased  to  sing. 

14. 

How  beautiful,  how  passing  speech, 

The  Dove  did  then  appear. 
As  the  hour  of  His  humility 

At  jNIary's  word  drew  near  I 

15. 

The  hour  was  come ;  the  wings  of  Love 
By  His  own  will  were  freed  : 

The  hour  was  come ;  the  Eternal  Three 
His  Mission  had  decreed, 

16. 

Then  for  His  love  of  worthless  men, 

His  love  of  Mary's  worth, 
His  beauteous  wings  the  Dove  outspread, 

And  winged  His  flight  to  earth, 

17. 

O  wondrous  Flight !  He  left  not  heaven, 
Though  earth's  low  fields  He  won, 

But  in  the  Bosom  still  reposed 
Of  Father  and  of  Son. 


THE  DESCENT  OF  THE  HOLY  GHOST.     139 

18. 

O  Flight !  O  blessed  Flight  of  Love ! 

Let  me  Thy  mercies  share  ; 
Grant  it,  sweet  Dove !  for  my  poor  soul 

Was  part  of  Mary's  prayer  ! 


35. 

THE  DESCENT  OF  THE  HOLY  GHOST. 

1. 

O  mighty  Mother !  why  that  light 

In  thine  uplifted  eye? 
Why  that  resplendent  look  of  more 

Thau  queenlike  majesty  ? 

2. 

Oh  waitest  Thou  in  this  thy  joy 

For  Gabriel  once  again  ? 
Is  heaven  about  to  part  and  make 

The  Blessed  Vision  plain  ? 

3. 

She  sat :  beneath  her  shadow  were 

The  Chosen  of  her  Son  ; 
Within  each  heart  and  on  each  face 

Her  power  and  spirit  shone. 


140      THE  DESCENT  OF  THE  HOLY  GHOST. 

4. 

ITers  was  the  courage  they  had  won 
From  her  prevailing  prayers; 

They  gazed  on  her,  until  her  heart 
Began  to  beat  in  theirs. 

5. 

Her  Son  had  left  that  heart  to  them : 
For  ten  long  nights  and  days, 

The  Saviour  gone,  no  Spirit  come, 
She  ruled  their  infant  ways. 

6. 

Queen  of  the  Church  !  around  thee  shines 

The  purest  light  of  heaven, 
And  all  created  things  to  thee 

For  thy  domain  are  given  I 

7. 

Why  waltest  thou  then  so  abashed. 

Wrapt  in  ecstatic  fear. 
Speechless  with  adoration,  hushed, 

Hushed  as  though  God  were  near  ? 

8. 

She  IS  a  creature  !  See  !  she  bows, 
She  trembles  tliough  so  great ; 

Created  majesty  o'er  whelmed 
Before  the  Increate ! 


THE  DESCENT  OF  THE  HOLY  GHOST.      141 

9. 

He  come  !  He  comes  !  that  mighty  Breath 

From  heaven's  eternal  shores ; 
His  uncreated  freshness  fills 

His  bride  as  she  adores. 

10. 

Earth  quakes  before  that  rushing  blast, 

Heaven  echoes  back  the  sound, 
And  mightily  the  tempest  wheels 

That  Upper  Room  around. 

11. 

One  moment — and  the  silentness 

Was  breathless  as  the  grave ; 
The  fluttered  earth  forgot  to  quake, 

The  troubled  trees  to  wave. 

12. 

One  moment — and  the  Spirit  hung 

O'er  her  with  dread. desire; 
Then  broke  upon  the  heads  of  all 

In  cloven  tongues  of  fire. 

13. 

Who  knows  in  what  a  sea  of  love 

Our  Lady's  heart  He  drowned  ? 
Or  what  new  gifts  He  gave  her  then, 

What  ancient  gifts  He  crowned  ? 


J 42      THE  DESCENT  OF  THE  HOLY  GHOST. 

14. 

Grace  was  so  multiplied  on  her, 

So  grew  within  her  heart, 
She  stands  alone,  earth's  miracle, 

A  ])eing  all  apart. 

15. 

What  gifts  He  gave  those  chosen  men, 

Past  ages  can  display ; 
Nay  more,  their  vigor  still  inspires 

The  weakness  of  to-day. 

16. 

Those  tongues  still  speak  within  the  Church, 

That  Fire  is  undecayed ; 
Its  well-spring  was  that  Upper  Room, 

Where  Mary  sat  and  prayed. 

17. 

The  Spirit  came  into  the  Church 

With  His  unfailing  power  ; 
Pie  is  the  Living  Heart  that  beats 

Within  her  at  this  hour. 

18. 

Speak  gently  then  of  Church  and  Saints, 

Lest  you  His  ways  reprove ; 
The  Heat,  the  Pulses  of  the  Church 

Are  God's  Eternal  Love. 


CORPUS  CHRIST!.  lA) 

19. 

Oil  let  ns  fall  and  worship  Him, 

The  Love  of  Sire  and  Son, 
The  Consubstantial  Breath  of  God, 

The  Coeternal  One ! 

20. 

Ah  !  see,  how  like  the  Incarnate  Word, 

His  Blessed  Self  He  lowers, 
To  dwell  with  us  invisibly, 

And  make  His  riches  ours. 

21. 

Most  tender  Spirit !  INIighty  God  ! 

Sweet  must  Thy  Presence  be, 
If  loss  of  Jesus  can  be  gain. 

So  long  as  we  have  Thee ! 


36. 

CORPUS  CHRISTI. 

1. 

Jesus !  my  Lord,  my  God,  my  All ! 
How  can  I  love  Thee  as  I  ought  ? 
And  how  revere  this  wondrous  gift, 
So  far  surpassing  hope  or  thought  ? 
Sweet  Sacrament !  we  Thee  adore  ! 
Oh  make  us  love  Thee  more  and  more ! 


144  CORPUS  CHRIST!. 

2. 

Ilarl  I  but  jNIary's  sinless  heart 

To  love  Thee  with,  my  dearest  King ! 
Oh  witli  what  bursts  of  fervent  praise 
Thy  goodness,  Jesus  !  would  I  sing ! 
Sweet  Sacrament !  we  Thee  adore  ! 
Oh  make  us  love  Thee  more  and  more ! 

3. 

Ah  !  see  within  a  creature's  hand 
The  vast  Creator  deigns  to  be, 
Keposing  infant-like,  as  though 
On  Joseph's  arm,  or  IMary's  knee. 
Sweet  Sacrament !  we  Thee  adore  ! 
Oh  make  us  love  Thee  more  and  more ! 

4. 

Thy  Body,  Soul,  and  Godhead,  all ! 

O  mystery  of  love  divine  ! 
I  cannot  compass  all  I  have, 

For  all  Thou  hast  and  art  are  mine  ! 
Sweet  Sacrament !  we  Thee  adore ! 
Oh  make  us  love  Thee  more  and  more ! 

5. 

Sound,  sound  His  praises  higher  still, 

And  come,  ye  angels,  to  our  aid, 
'Tis  God  !  'tis  God!  the  very  God 

Wliose  power  both  men  and  angels  made  ! 
Sweet  Sacrament !  we  Thee  adore  ! 
Oh  make  us  love  Thee  more  and  more ! 


CORPUS  CHIIISTI.  145 


6. 


Ring  joyously,  ye  solemn  bells ! 

And  wave,  oh  wave,  ye  censers  bright ! 
'Tis  Jesus  Cometh,  Mary^s  Son, 

And  God  of  God,  and  Light  of  Light ! 
Sweet  Sacrament !  we  Thee  adore  ! 
Oh  make  us  love  Thee  more  and  more ! 


O  earth !  grow  flowers  beneath  His  feet, 

And  thou,  O  sun,  shine  bright  this  day  ! 
He  comes  !  He  comes  !  O  Heaven  on  earth  ! 
Our  Jesus  comes  upon  His  way  ! 
Sweet  Sacrament !  we  Thee  adore  ! 
Oh  make  us  love  Thee  more  and  more ! 

8. 

He  comes  !  He  comes  !  the  Lord  of  Hosts, 

Borne  on  His  throne  triumphantly  ! 
We  see  Thee,  and  we  know  Thee,  Lord ; 
And  yearn  to  shed  our  blood  for  Thee, 
Sweet  Sacrament !  we  Thee  adore  ! 
Oh  make  us  love  Thee  more  and  more ! 

9. 

Our  hearts  leap  up  ;  our  trembling  song 
Grows  fainter  still ;  we  can  no  more ; 
Silence  !  and  let  us  weep — and  die 
Of  very  love,  while  we  adore. 
Great  Sacrament  of  love  divine  ! 
All,  all  we  have  or  are  be  Thine ! 
13 


146  THE  SACRED  HEART. 


37. 

THE  SACRED  HEART. 

1. 

Unchanging  and  Unchangeable,  before  angelic  eyes. 
The  Vision  of  the  Godhead  in  its  tranquil  beauty 

lies ; 
And,  like  a  city  lighted  up  all  gloriously  within, 
Its  countless  lustres  glance  and  gleam,  and  sweetest 

worship  win. 
On  the  Unbegotten  Father,  awful  well-spring  of  the 

Three, 
On  the  Sole  Begotten  Son's  coequal  Majesty. 
On  Him  eternally  breathed  forth  from  Father  and 

from  Son, 
The  spirits  gaze  with  fixed  amaze,  and  unreckoned 
ages  run. 

Myriad,  myriad  angels  raise 
Happy  hymns  of  wondering  praise, 
Ever  through  eternal  days, 
Before  the  Holy  Trinity, 
One  Undivided  Three ! 

2. 

Still  the  Fountain    of  the   Godhead    giveth    forth 

eternal  being : 
Still  begetting,  unbegotten,  still  His  own  perfection 

seeing, 


THE  SACRED  HEART.  147 

Still  limiting   His  own  loved  Self  with  His   dear 

coequal  Spirit, 
No  change  comes  o'er  that  blissful  Life,  no  shadow 

passeth  near  it. 
And  beautiful   dr^d  Attributes,  all  manifold  and 

bright, 
Now  thousands  seem,  now  lose  themselves  in  one 

self-living  light ; 
And  far  in  that  deep  Life  of  God,  in  harmony  com- 
plete, 
Ijike  crowned  kings,  all  opposite   perfections  take 
their  seat. 

Myriad,  myriad  angels  raise 
Happy  hymns  of  wondering  praise, 
Ever  through  eternal  days. 
Before  the  Holy  Trinity, 
One  Undivided  Three  I 


3. 

And   in   that   ungrowing   vision   nothing   deepens, 

nothing  brightens. 
But  the  living  Life  of  God  perpetually  lightens ; 
And  created  life  is  nothing  but  a  radiant  shadow 

fleeing 
From  the  unapproached  lustres  of  that   Unbegin- 

ning  Being  ; 
Spirits  wise  and  deep  have  watched  that  everlast 

ing  Ocean, 
And  never  o'er  its  lucid  field  hath  rippled  fauites 

motion ; 


1 48  THE  SA  CRED  •  HE  A  R  T. 

In   glory   undistinguished    never   have    the   Three 

seemed  One, 
Nor   ever   in   divided   streams   the  Single  Essence 
run. 

Myriad,  myriad  angels  raise 
Happy  hymns  of  wondering  praise, 
Ever  through  eternal  days, 
Before  the  Holy  Trinity, 
One  Undivided  Three ! 


4. 

There  reigns  the  Eternal  Father,  in  His  lone  pre- 
rogatives. 
And,  in  the  Father's  Mind,  the  Son,  all  self-exist- 
ing, lives. 
With  Him,  their  mutual  Jubilee,  that  deepest  depth 

of  love, 
Lifegiving  Life  of  two-fold  source,  the  many-gifted 

Dove  ! 
O  Bountiful !  O  Beautiful !  can  Power  or  Wisdom 

add 
Fresh  features  to  a  life,  so  munificent  and  glad  ? 
Can  even  uncreated  Love,  ye  angels !  give  a  hue 
Which   can  ever  make   tlie  Unchanging  and   Un- 
changeable look  new  ? 

Myriad,  myriad  angels  raise 
Happy  hymns  of  wondering  praise, 
Ever  through  eternal  days, 
Before  the  Holy  Trinity, 
One  Undivided  Three ! 


TUE  SACRED  HEART.  149 

5. 

The  Mercy  of  the  Merciful  is  equal  to  Their  INIight, 
As  wondrous  as  Their  Love,  and  as  Their  Wisdom 

bright ! 
As  They,  who  out  of  nothing  called  creation  at  the 

first, 
In   everlasting    purposes    Their   own    design    had 

nursed, — 
As   They,  who   in  Their  solitude,  Three  Persons, 

once  abode, 
Vouchsafed   of  Their  abundance   to  become  crea- 
tion's God, — 
What  They  owed  not  to  Themselves  They  stooped 

to  owe  to  man, 
And  pledged  Their  glory  to  Him,  in  an  unimagi- 
nable plan. 

Myriad,  myriad  angels  raise 
Happy  hymns  of  wondering  praise, 
Ever  through  eternal  days. 
Before  the  Holy  Trinity, 
One  Undivided  Three ! 

6. 

See !  deep  within  the  glowing  depth  of  that  Eter- 
nal Light, 

What  change  hath  come,  what  vision  new  trans- 
ports angelic  sight? 

A  creature  can  it  be,  in  uncreated  bliss  ? 

A  novelty  in  God?  Oh  what  nameless  thing  is 
this? 


150  THE  SACRED  HEART. 

The  beauty  of  the  Father's  power  is  o'er  it  brightly 

shed, 
Tlic  sweetness  of  the  Spirit's  Love  is  unction  on  its 

head ; 
In   the  wisdom  of  the   Son   it  i:)lays  its  wondrous 

part, 
While   it   lives   the  loving  life  of  a   real  Human 
Heart ! 

Myriad,  myriad  angels  raise 
Happy  hymns  of  wondering  praise, 
Ever  through  eternal  days, 
Before  the  Holy  Trinity, 
One  Undivided  Three ! 

7. 

A  Heart  that  hath  a  INIother,  and  a  treasure  of  red 

blood, 
A  Heart  that  man  can  pray  to,  and  feed  upon  for 

food ! 
In  the  brightness  of  the  Godhead  is  its  marvellous 

abode, 
A   change   in   the    Unchanging,    creation   touching 

God! 
Ye  spirits  blest,  in  endless  rest,  who  on  that  Vision 

gaze, 
Salute  the  Sacred  Heart  with  all  your  worshipful 

amaze, 
And  adore,  while  with   ecstatic  skill  the  Three  in 

One  ye  scan. 
The   Mercy   that   hath  planted   there   that   blessed 

Heart  of  Man ! 


THE  SACRED  HEART.  151 

Myriad,  myriad  angels  raise 
Happy  hymns  of  wondering  praise, 
Ever  through  eternal  days, 

Before  the  Holy  Trinity, 

One  Undivided  Three ! 

8. 

All   tranquilly,  all   tranquilly,   doth   that   Blissful 

Vision  last. 
And  Its  brightness  o'er  immortalized  creation  will  it 

cast; 
Ungrowing  and  unfading,  Its  pure  Essence  doth  it 

keep, 
In  the  deepest  of  those  depths  where  all  are  infi- 
nitely deep  ; 
Unchanging   and    unchangeable   as    It    hath    ever 

been, 
As  It  was  before  that  Human  Heart  was  there  by 

angels  seen, 
So  is  it  at  this  very  hour,  so  will  it  ever  be, 
With   that   Human  Heart  within  It,  beating   hot 
with  love  of  me  ! 

Myriad,  myriad  angels  raise 
Happy  hymns  of  wondering  praise, 
Ever  through  eternal  days, 
Before  the  Holy  Trinity, 
One  Undivided  Three 


|p)art  ^birb. 


HYMNS    38  — 64. 


OUR  BLESSED  LADY,  SAINT  JOSEPH  AND  THE 
HOLY  FAMILY. 


38. 

TO  OUR  BLESSED  LADY. 

1. 

Mother  of  Mercy  !  day  by  day 

My  love  of  thee  grows  more  and  more ; 
Thy  gifts  are  strewn  upon  my  way, 

Like  sands  upon  the  great  sea-shore. 

2. 

Though  poverty  and  work  and  woe 
The  masters  of  my  life  may  be, 

When  times  are  worst,  who  does  not  know 
Darkness  is  light,  with  love  of  thee  ? 

3. 

But  scornful  men  have  coldly  said 
Thy  love  was  leading  me  from  God  j 

And  yet  in  this  I  did  but  tread 
The  very  path  my  Saviour  trod. 

4. 

They  know  but  little  of  thy  worth 

Who  speak  these  heartless  words  to  me ; 

For  what  did  Jesus  love  on  earth 
One  half  so  tenderly  as  thee? 

155 


156  THE  IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION. 

5. 

Get  me  the  grace  to  love  thee  more ; 

Jesus  will  give  if  thou  wilt  plead ; 
And,  Mother !  when  life's  cares  are  o'er, 

Oh  I  shall  love  thee  then  indeed  ! 

6. 

Jesus,  when  His  three  hours  were  run, 
Bequeath'd  thee  from  the  cross  to  me ; 

And  oh  !  how  can  I  love  thy  Son, 
Sweet  Mother ;  if  I  love  not  thee  ? 

Scarborough,  May,  18lt8. 


39. 

THE  IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION. 

1. 

O  purest  of  creatures  !  sweet  INIother  !  sweet  Maid 
The  one  spotless  womb  wherein  Jesus  was  laid  ! 
Dark  night  hath  come  down  on  us.  Mother  !  and  we 
Look  out  for  thy  shining,  sweet  Star  of  the  Sea ! 

2. 

Deep  night  hath  come  down  on  this  rough-spoken 

world, 
And  the  banners  of  darkness  are  boldly  unfurled  : 
And  the  tempest-tost  Church — all  her  eyes  are  on 

thee, 
They  look  to  thy  shining,  sweet  Star  of  the  Sea ! 


THE  IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION,  157 

3. 

The  Church  doth  what  God  had  first  taught  her  to 

do ; 
He  looked  o'er  the  world  to  find  hearts  that  were 

true ; 
Through  the  ages  He  looked,  and  He  fi^und  none 

but  thee, 
And  He  loved  thy  clear  shining,  sweet  Star  of  the 

Sea ! 

4. 

He  gazed  on  thy  soul ;  it  was  spotless  and  fair ; 
For  the  empire  5f  sin — it  had  never  been  there ; 
None  had  e'er  owned  thee,  dear  Mother,  but  He, 
And  He  blessed  thy  clear  shining,  sweet  Star  of  the 

Sea! 

5. 

Earth  gave  Him  one  lodging;  'twas  deep  in  thy 

breast. 
And  God  found  a  home  where  the  sinner  finds  rest ; 
His  home  and  his  hiding-place,  both  were  in  thee ; 
He  was  won  by  thy  shining,  sweet  Star  of  the  Sea ! 

6. 

Oh  blissful  and  calm  was  the  wonderful  rest 
That  thou  gavest  thy  G»d  in  thy  virginal  breast. 
For  the  heaven  He  left  He  found  heaven  in  thee. 
And  He  shone  in  thy  shining,  sweet  Star  of  the  Sea  ! 
14 


158  THE  IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION. 

7. 

To  sinners  wliat  comfort,  to  ano^ols  what  mirth, 
Tliat  God  found  one  creature  un fallen  on  earth, 
One  spot  where  His  Spirit  untroubled  could  be. 
The  depths  of  thy  shining,  sweet  Star  of  the  Sea  I 

8. 

So  age  after  age  in  the  Church  has  gone  round, 
And  the  saints  new  inventions  of  homage  have 

found, 
New  titles  of  honor,  new  honors  for  thee, 
New  love  for  thy  shining,  sweet  Star  of  the  Sea ! 

9. 

And  now  from  the  Church  of  all  lands  thy  dear 

name 
Comes  borne  on  the  breath  of  one  mighty  acclaim ; 
Men  call  on  their  Father,  that  He  should  decree 
A  new  gem  to  thy  shining,  sweet  Star  of  the  Sea ! 

10. 

O  shine  on  us  brighter  than  ever,  then,  shine ! 
For  the  primest  of  honors,  dear  Mother !  is  thine ; 
"  Conceived  without  sin,"  thy  new  title  shall  be, 
Clear  light  from  thy  birth-spring,  sweet  Star  of  the 
Sea! 

11. 

So  worship  we  God  in  these  rude  latter  days ; 
So  worship  we  Jesus  our  Love,  when  we  praise 
His  wonderful  grace  in  the  gifts  He  gave  thee, 
The  gift  of  clear  shining,  sweet  Star  of  the  Sea ! 


SINE  LABE  ORIGIN ALI  CONCEPT  A.        159 

12. 

Deep  night  hath  come  down  on  us,  Mother,  deep 

night, 
And   we   need   more  than  ever  the   guide  of  thy 

light; 
For  the  darker  the  night  is,  the  brighter  should  be 
Thy  beautiful  shining,  sweet  Star  of  the  Sea ! 


40. 

SINE  LABE  ORIGINALI  CONCEPTA. 

1. 

The  day,  the  happy  day  is  dawning, 

The  glorious  feast  of  Mary's  chiefest  praise, 
That  brightens,  like  a  second  morning, 
The  clouded  evening  of  these  latter  days. 
O  every  clime !  O  every  nation  ! 
Praise,  praise  the  God  of  our  salvation ! 

2. 

High  up,  the  realm  of  angels  ringeth 

With  hymns  of  triumph  to  its  mortal  Queen, 
While  earth  its  song  of  welcome  singeth 
In  every  shady  grove  and  valley  green. 
O  every  clune  !  O  every  nation  ! 
Praise,  praise  the  God  of  our  salvation  ! 


160        SINE  LABE  ORIGINALI  CONCEPTA. 

3. 

Hail  Queen,  whose  life  is  just  beginning, 

Thrice  welcome.  Mother  of  a  fallen  race ! 
The  sinless  come  to  save  the  sinning, 
Thyself  the  chosen  aqueduct  of  grace  ! 
O  every  clime  !  O  every  nation  ! 
Praise,  praise  the  God  of  our  salvation  I 

4. 

Immaculate !  O  dear  exemption  ! 

A  spotless  soul  for  God,  entire  and  free, 
Redeemed  with  such  a  choice  redemption, 

Angel  nor  saint  can  share  the  praise  with  thee, 
O  every  clime  !  O  every  nation  ! 

Praise,  praise  the  God  of  our  salvation ! 

5. 

O  Virgin  brighter  than  the  brightest 

'Mid  all  the  beauteous  throngs  that  shine  above 
O  maiden  wliitcr  than  the  whitest 

Of  lily  flowers  in  Eden's  sacred  grove ! 
O  every  clime !  O  every  nation  ! 
Praise,  praise  the  God  of  our  salvation  ! 

6. 

Chief  miracle  of  God's  compassion, 

Choice  mirror  of  His  burning  holiness, 
Whose  heart  His  mercy  deigned  to  fashion 
Far  more  than  Eve's  sad  ruin  to  redress. 
O  every  clime  !  O  every  nation  ! 
Praise,  praise  the  God  of  our  salvation  I 


IMMACULATE/  IMMACULATEI  161 

7. 

Earth's  cities !  let  your  bells  be  reeling, 

And  all  your  temple-gates  wide  open  fling, 
With  banners  flying,  cannon  pealing, 

The  blessed  Queen  of  our  Redemption  sing. 
O  every  clime !  O  every  nation  ! 
Praise,  praise  the  God  of  our  salvation ! 

8. 

See!  Mary  comes  !  O  jubilation! 

She  comes  with  love  to  cheer  a  guilty  race ; 
O  triumph,  triumph,  all  creation ! 

O  Christians  !  triumph  in  redeeming  grace. 
O  every  clime  !  O  every  nation  ! 
Praise,  praise  the  God  of  our  salvation  ! 


41. 

IMMACULATE !   IMMACULATE ! 

1. 

O  Mother  !  I  could  weep  for  mirth, 

Joy  fills  my  heart  so  fast ; 
My  soul  to-day  is  heaven  on  earth, 
O  could  the  transport  last ! 

I  think  of  thee,  and  what  thou  art. 

Thy  majesty,  thy  state ; 
And  I  keep  singing  in  my  heart, — 
Immaculate !  Immaculate ! 
H* 


1^2  IMMACULATE/  IMMACULATE! 

2. 

Wlien  Jesus  looks  upon  thy  face, 
His  Heart  with  rapture  glows, 
And  in  the  Church,  by  His  sweet  grace, 
Thy  blessed  worship  grows. 

I  think  of  thee,  and  what  thou  art, 

Thy  majesty,  thy  state ; 
And  I  keep  singing  in  my  heart, — 
Immaculate !  Immaculate  1 

3. 

The  angels  answer  with  their  songs, 

Bright  choirs  in  gleaming  rows ; 
And  saints  flock  round  thy  feet  in  throngs. 
And  heaven  with  bliss  o'erflows. 
I  think  of  thee,  and  what  thou  art. 

Thy  majesty,  thy  state ; 
And  I  keep  singing  in  my  heart, — 
Immaculate !  Immaculate  I 

4. 

And  I  would  rather.  Mother  dear ! 
Thou  shouldst  be  what  thou  art. 
Than  sit  where  thou  dost,  oh  so  near 
Unto  the  Sacred  Heart. 

I  think  of  thee,  and  what  thou  art, 

Thy  majesty,  thy  state ; 
And  I  keep  singing  in  my  heart, — 
Injmaculate !  Immaculate  I 


IMMACULATE/    IMMACULATE/  163 


5. 


Yes,  I  would  forfeit  all  for  thee, 

Rather  than  thou  shouldst  miss 
One  jewel  from  thy  majesty, 
One  glory  from  thy  bliss. 

I  think  of  thee,  and  what  thou  art, 

Thy  majesty,  thy  state ; 
And  I  keep  singing  in  my  heart, — 
Immaculate !  Immaculate  ! 

6. 

Nay,  I  could  die,  and  with  the  sense 

That  'twere  but  loss  to  live. 
Could  I  but  die  in  dear  defence 
Of  this  prerogative. 

I  think  of  thee,  and  what  thou  art, 

Thy  majesty,  thy  state ; 
And  I  keep  singing  in  my  heart, — 
Immaculate !  Immaculate ! 

7. 

Conceived,  conceived  Immaculate ! 

Oh  what  a  joy  for  thee  ! 
Conceived,  conceived  Immaculate ! 
Oh  greater  joy  for  me  ! 

I  think  of  thee,  and  what  thou  art, 

Thy  majesty,  thy  state ; 
And  I  keep  singing  in  my  heart, — 
Immaculate !  Immaculate ! 


164  IMMACULATE!  IMMACULATE/ 

8. 

It  is  this  thought  to-day  that  lifts 

My  happy  heart  to  heaven, 
Tliat  for  our  sakes  thy  clioicest  gifts 
To  thee,  dear  Queen  !  were  given. 
I  think  of  thee,  and  what  thou  art, 

Thy  majesty,  thy  state ; 
And  I  keep  singing  in  my  heart, — 
Immaculate !  Immaculate ! 

9. 

The  glory  that  belongs  to  thee 

Seems  rather  mine  than  thine, 
While  all  the  cares  that  harass  me 
Are  rather  thine  than  mine. 

I  think  of  thee,  and  what  thou  art, 

Thy  majesty,  thy  state; 
And  I  keep  singing  in  my  heart, — 
Immaculate !  Immaculate ! 

10. 

Then  blessed  be  the  Eternal  Son, 
Who  joys  to  call  thee  mother. 
And  lets  poor  men  by  sin  undone 
For  thy  sake  call  Him  brotlier. 

I  think  of  thee,  and  what  thou  art, 

Thy  majesty,  thy  state ; 
And  I  keep  singing  in  my  heart, — 
Immaculate !  Immaculate ! 


THE  NATIVITY  OF  OUR  LADY.  165 

11. 

Immaculate  Conception  !  far 

Above  all  graces  blest ! 
Thou  shinest  like  a  royal  star 
On  God's  Eternal  Breast. 

I  think  of  thee,  and  what  thou  art, 

Thy  majesty,  thy  state ; 
And  I  keep  singing  in  my  heart, — 
Immaculate !  Immaculate ! 

12. 

God  prosper  thee,  my  Mother  dear ! 

God  prosper  thee,  my  Queen  ! 
God  prosper  His  own  glory  here. 
As  it  hath  ever  been  ! 

I  think  of  thee,  and  what  thou  art, 

Thy  majesty,  thy  state ; 
And  I  keep  singing  in  my  heart, — 
Immaculate !  Immaculate ! 


42, 

THE  NATIVITY  OF  OUR  LADY. 

1. 

Summer  suns  for  ever  shining. 
Flowers  and  fruits  for  ever  twining, 
Silvery  waters  ever  flowing, 
Songlike  breezes  ever  blowing. 
Shady  groves  for  ever  ringing 
With  a  low  melodious  singmg : 


166  THE  NATIVITY  OF  OUR  LADY. 

Infant  Mary  !  Joy  of  earth  ! 
We  witli  all  this  world  of  mirth, 

Lighthearted  and  joy-laden, 
Greet  the  morning  of  thy  birth, 
Little  Maiden ! 

2. 

Angels  round  the  Throne  adoring, 
Newest  songs  of  praise  outpouring. 
Bursts  of  wonderful  thanksgiving, 
Wui snipping  the  Everliving, 
All  the  vast  angelic  nations, 
Lauding  Him  with  gratulations : 

Infant  Mary  !  Joy  of  earth  ! 

We  with  all  this  world  of  mirth, 
Lighthearted  and  joy-laden. 

Greet  the  morning  of  thy  birth, 
Little  Maiden ! 

3. 

God  with  each  untold  perfection 
Brooding  o'er  thy  sweet  election. 
Glorified  bv  wondrous  blisses 
Stirring  in  His  calm  abysses, 
As  if  some  new-born  emotion 
Kipplod  His  unchanging  ocean  : 

Infant  Mary  !  Joy  of  earth  ! 

We  with  all  this  world  of  mirth, 
Lighthearted  and  joy-laden. 

Greet  the  morning  of  thy  birth, 
Little  Maiden ! 


THE  NATIVITY  OF  OUR  LADY,  167 

4. 

Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Spirit, 
Blazoning  thee  with  matchless  merit, 
Wondrous  graces  on  thee  raining, 
And  Their  dread  complacence  deigning 
To  rest  in  thee  as  in  no  other, 
Daughter,  Bride,  and  Sinless  Mother : 

Infant  Mary  !  Joy  of  earth ! 

We  with  all  this  world  of  mirth, 
Lighthearted  and  joy-laden, 

Greet  the  morning  of  thy  birth, 
Little  Maiden  ! 

5. 

Thou  thyself  a  world  of  brightness, 
Flower  of  more  than  angeVs  whiteness, 
Ravished  now  with  gladder  heaven 
Than  to  angels  hath  been  given, 
Grandest  worship  in  creation 
Is  thine  infant  jubilation  : 

Infant  Mary  !  Joy  of  earth  ! 

We  with  all  this  world  of  mirth, 
Lighthearted  and  joy-laden, 

Greet  the  morning  of  thy  birth, 
Little  Maiden ! 

6. 

Splendor  as  of  pearliest  morning 
O'er  the  souls  in  limbus  dawning, 
Golden  visions  hovering  o'er  them. 
Nearer  heavens  unveiled  before  them, 


168  THE  NATIVITY  OF  OUR  LADY. 

Sudden  transports  newly  given 
Sweeter  than  the  looked-for  heaven  : 
Infant  Mary  !  Joy  of  earth  ! 
We  with  all  this  world  of  mirth, 

Lighthearted  and  joy-laden, 
Greet  the  morning  of  thy  birth, 
Little  Maiden ! 

7. 
Joachim  and  Anna  kneeling, 
Looks  of  furtive  wonder  stealing, 
High  in  ecstasy  uplifted, 
Father,  mother,  grandly  gifted, 
Weeping  through  excess  of  gladness 
Tears  of  rapture,  not  of  sadness : 
Infant  Mary  !  Joy  of  earth  ! 
We  with  all  this  world  of  mirth, 

Lighthearted  and  joy-laden, 
Greet  the  morning  of  thy  birth, 
Little  Maiden ! 

8. 
Ah  !  the  first  sight  of  thee  sleeping, 
And  the  first  sound  of  thee  weeping. 
How  the  breathless  Anna  listened, 
While  her  rapturous  teardrops  glistened. 
How  she  almost  died  of  pleasure, 
Feeding,  fondling  thee,  her  treasure : 
Infant  JNIary  !  Joy  of  earth  ! 
We  with  all  this  world  of  mirth, 

Lighthearted  and  joy-laden, 
Greet  the  morning  of  thy  birth. 
Little  Maiden  ! 


THE  NATIVITY  OF  OUR  LADY.  169 

9. 

All  the  joys  upon  God's  mountain 
Gushing  out  from  thee,  their  fountain, 
All  the  gladness  of  the  golden 
Hosts  to  thee  alone  beholden, 
All  the  songs  that  men  are  sino^ino-, 
Songs  which  all  were  of  thy  bringing : 

Infant  Mary  !  Joy  of  earth  ! 

We  with  all  this  world  of  mirth  I 
Lighthearted  and  joy-laden, 

Greet  the  morning  of  thy  birth, 
Little  Maiden ! 

10. 

Babe  of  Anna !  Little  IMaiden  ! 
We  with  transports  overladen. 
Spirits  full,  hearts  almost  broken, 
Joy  which  cannot  be  outspoken. 
We  thy  birthday  greet,  the  dawning 
Of  salvation's  happy  morning  : 

Infant  Mary  !  Joy  of  earth ! 

AVe  with  all  this  world  of  mirth, 
Lighthearted  and  joy-laden, 

Greet  the  morning  of  thy  birth. 
Little  Maiden ! 

Filey,  August,  1861. 


15 


170  OUB  LADY'S  PRESENTATION. 


43. 

OUR  LADY'S  PRESENTATION. 

1. 

Day  breaks  on  temple-roofs  and  towers ; 

The  city  sleeps,  the  palms  are  still ; 
The  fairest  far  of  earth's  fair  flowers 

Momits  Sion's  sacred  hill. 

2. 

O  wondrous  Babe  !  O  child  of  grace  ! 

The  Holy  Trinity's  delight ! 
Sweetly  renewing  man's  lost  race, 

How  fair  thou  art,  how  bright ! 

3. 

Not  all  the  vast  angelic  choirs, 

That  worship  round  the  eternal  throne, 
With  all  their  love  can  match  the  fires 

Of  thy  one  heart  alone. 

4. 

Since  God  created  land  and  sea, 
No  love  had  been  so  like  divine ; 

For  none  was  ever  like  to  thee, 
Nor  worship  like  to  thine. 


OUB  LADY'S  PRESENTATION.  171 

5. 

Angels  in  heaven,  and  souls  on  earth, 

Thousands  of  years  their  songs  may  raise, 

Nor  equal  thee,  for  thine  was  worth 
All  their  united  praise. 

6. 

Not  only  was  thy  heart  above 

All  heaven  and  earth  could  e'er  attain, — 
Thou  gavest  it  with  so  much  love, 

'Twas  worth  as  much  again. 

7. 

O  Maiden  most  immaculate  ! 

Make  me  to  choose  thy  better  part, 
And  give  my  Lord,  with  love  as  great, 

An  undivided  heart. 

8. 

Would  that  my  heart,  dear  Lord  !  were  true. 

Royal  and  undefiled  and  whole, 
Like  hers  from  whom  Thy  sweet  love  took 

The  Blood  to  save  my  soul. 

9. 

If  here  our  hearts  grudge  ought  to  Thee, — 
In  that  bright  land  beyond  the  grave. 

We'll  worship  Thee  with  souls  set  free. 
And  give  as  Mary  gave. 


172  OUR  LADTS  EXPECTATION, 


44. 
OUR  LADY'S  EXPECTATION. 

1. 

Like  the  dawning  of  the  morning, 

On  the  mountain's  golden  heights, 
Like  the  breaking  of  the  moonbeams 

On  the  gloom  of  cloudy  nights. 
Like  a  secret  told  by  angels, 

Getting  known  upon  the  earth, 
Is  the  Mother's  Expectation 

Of  Messias'  speedy  birth  I 

2. 

Thou  wert  happy,  blessed  Mother 

With  the  very  bliss  of  heaven, 
Since  the  angel's  salutation 

In  thy  raptured  car  was  given; 
Since  the  Ave  of  that  midnight. 

When  thou  wert  anointed  Queen, 
Like  a  river  overflowing 

Hath  the  grace  within  thee  been. 

'    3. 

On  the  mountains  of  Judea, 
Like  the  chariot  of  the  Lord, 

Thou  wert  liited  in  thy  spirit 
By  the  uncreated  Word  : 


OUR  LAD  Y'S  EXPECT  A  TION.  173 

Gifts  and  graces  flowed  upon  tliee 

In  a  sweet  celestial  strife, 
And  the  growing  of  thy  Burden 

Was  the  lightening  of  thy  life. 

4. 

And  what  wonders  have  been  in  thee 

All  the  day  and  all  the  night, 
While  the  angels  fell  before  thee, 

To  adore  the  Light  of  Light. 
While  the  glory  of  the  Father 

Hath  been  in  thee  as  a  homo, 
And  the  sceptre  of  creation 

Hath  been  wielded  in  thy  womb. 

5. 

And  the  sweet  strains  of  the  psalmist 

Were  a  joy  beyond  control. 
And  the  visions  of  the  prophets 

Burnt  like  transports  in  thy  soul ; 
But  the  Burden  that  was  growing, 

And  was  felt  so  tenderly. 
It  was  heaven,  it  was  heaven. 

Come  before  its  time  to  thee. 

6. 

Oh  the  feeling  of  thy  Burden, 
It  was  touch  and  taste  and  sight ; 

It  was  newer  still  and  newer. 

All  those  nine  months,  day  and  night. 
15* 


174  OUR  LADY'S  EXFECTAIWN, 

Like  a  treasure  unexhausted, 
Like  a  vision  uncoiifessM, 

Like  a  rapture  unforirotten, 
It  lay  ever  at  thy  breast. 

7. 

Every  moment  did  that  Burden 

Press  upon  thee  with  new  grace; 
Happy  Mother  !  tliou  art  longing 

To  behold  the  Saviour's  Face ! 
Oh,  His  Human  Face  and  Features 

Must  be  passing  sweet  to  see ; 
Thou  hast  seen  them,  happy  Mother ! 

Ah  then,  show  them  now  to  me. 

8. 

Thou  hast  waited,  child  of  David ! 

And  thy  Avaiting  now  is  o'er! 
Thou  hast  seen  Him,  blessed  Mother 

And  wilt  see  Him  evermore  ! 
O  His  Human  Face  and  Features ! 

They  were  passing  sweet  to  see ; 
Thou  beholdest  them  this  moment; 

Mother,  show  them  now  to  me. 


THE  HAPPY  GATE  OF  HEAVEN.  175 


45. 

THE  HAPPY  GATE  OF  HEAVEN. 

1. 

Fair  are  the  portals  of  the  day, 

The  gateways  of  the  morning, 
Whose  pillared  clouds  the  rising  sun, 

Is  rosily  adorning : 
Fair  are  the  portals  of  the  day. 

The  gateways  of  the  even, 
When  through  long  halls  of  burning  light 
Earth  gazes  into  heaven. 

Of  matchless  light,  of  grace  untold, 
All  love  be  thine,  fair  House  of  Gold 

All  praise  to  thee  be  given. 
Sweet  Balm  of  all  our  Sadness, 
Dear  Cause  of  all  our  Gladness, 
Thou  Happy  Gate  of  Heaven ! 

2. 

Fair  are  the  passes  in  the  hills. 

The  gateways  of  the  mountains. 
Along  whose  sounding  channels  leap 

The  many-gifted  fountains : 
Fair  are  the  thresholds  of  blue  sea, 

The  gateways  of  the  ocean. 
That  guard  the  harbors  of  the  earth, 

Swinging  with  placid  motion. 


I7(i  THE  HAPPY  GATE  OF  HEAVEN. 

Of  matchless  light,  of  grace  untold, 
All  love  be  thine,  fair  House  of  Gold  ! 

All  praise  to  thee  be  given, 
Sweet  Balm  of  all  our  Sadness, 
Dear  Cause  of  all  our  Gladness, 

Thou  Happy  Gate  of  Heaven ! 

3. 

But  fairest  of  all  gateways  far, 
Art  thou,  the  sinless  Mary  ! 
The  Gate  that  opens,  yet  secures 

God's  inmost  sanctuary  ! 
Gate  of  the  one  true  Dawn  art  thou, 

Gate  of  the  one  sweet  Even, 
Gate  of  the  angels  into  earth, 
The  gate  of  souls  to  heaven. 

Of  matchless  light,  of  grace  untold, 
All  love  be  thine,  fair  House  of  Gold ! 

All  praise  to  thee  be  given. 
Sweet  Balm  of  all  our  Sadness, 
Dear  Cause  of  all  our  Gladness, 
Thou  Happy  Gate  of  Heaven ! 

4. 

Thou  art  the  Gate  God  entered  by 

To  visit  His  creation. 
The  mountain-pass  where  leap  and  flow 

The  wells  of  our  salvation  : 
Thou  art  the  Gate  of  azure  sea 

With  the  lighthouse  ever  burning, 
The  exile's  happy  Landing-Place, 

To  his  Father's  House  returning. 


THE  DOLORS  OF  OUR  LADY.  177 

Of  matchless  light,  of  grace  untold, 
All  love  be  thine,  fair  House  of  Gold  ! 

All  praise  to  thee  be  given, 
Sweet  Balm  of  all  our  Sadness, 
Dear  Cause  of  all  our  Gladness, 

Thou  Happy  Gate  of  Heaven  ! 

5. 

Bright  Gateway  !  through  whose  golden  arch 

The  Father's  grace  is  flowing. 
Whose  steps  the  Son  and  Spirit  wear 

With  their  incessant  going  ! 
Porch  of  the  Throne!  what  beauteous  hosts 

Of  angels  cluster  round  thee ! 
O  happy  are  the  sleeping  souls 

Whose  faith  and  love  have  found  thee ! 
Of  matchless  light,  of  grace  untold. 
All  love  be  thine,  fair  House  of  Gold ! 

All  praise  to  thee  be  given, 
Sweet  Balm  of  all  our  Sadness, 
Dear  Cause  of  all  our  Gladness, 
Thou  Happy  Gate  of  Heaven ! 


46. 

THE  DOLORS  OF  OUR  LADY. 
1. 

God  of  mercy  !  let  us  run 

Where  yon  fount  of  sorrows  flows  : 
Pondering  sweetly  one  by  one, 

Jesus'  Wounds  and  Mary's  Woes. 


178  THE  ASSUMPTION. 

2. 

Ah  !  those  tears  Our  Lady  slied, 
Enoui^h  to  (h'owii  a  world  of  s'd 

Tears  our  SavIonr\s  sorrows  fed 
Peace  aud  pardon  well  may  wiu  • 

3. 

His  Five  Wounds  a  very  home 
For  our  ])rayers  and  praises  prov. 

And  our  Lady's  Woes  become 
Endless  joys  in  heaven  above. 

4. 

Jesus,  who  for  us  didst  die, 

All  on  Thee  our  love  we  pour; 

And  in  the  Holy  Trinity 
Worship  Thee  for  evermore. 

From  the  Breviary, "  Summse  Deus  clementise." 


47. 

THE  ASSUMPTION. 

1. 

Sini^,  sing,  ye  Anir(4  Bands, 
All  beautiful  and  brii^ht; 

For  higher  still  and  higher, 
Through  fields  of  starry  light, 

Mary,  your  Queen,  ascends. 
Like  the  sweet  moon  at  night. 


THE  ASSUMPTION.  179 


2. 


A  fairer  flower  than  she 
On  earth  hath  never  been  ; 

And,  save  the  Throne  of  God, 
Your  heavens  have  never  seen 

A  wonder  half  so  bright 
As  your  ascending  Queen ! 

3. 

O  happy  angels  .  look, 

How  beautiful  she  is ! 
See  !  Jesus  bears  her  up, 

Her  hand  is  locked  in  His ; 
Oh  who  can  tell  the  height 

Of  that  fair  Mother's  bliss? 

4. 

And  shall  I  lose  thee  then, 
Lose  my  sweet  right  to  thee  ? 

Ah  !  no — the  angels'  Queen 
Man's  Mother  still  will  be, 

And  thou,  u])on  thy  throne, 
Wilt  keep  thy  love  for  me. 

5. 

On  then,  dear  Pageant,  on  ! 

Sweet  music  breathes  around  ; 
And  love  like  dew  distils 

On  hearts  in  rapture  bound  ; 
The  Queen  of  heaven  goes  up 

To  be  proclaimed  and  crowned  ! 


180  THE  ASSUMPTION. 

6. 

On — throiiffh  the  countless  itars 
Proceeds  the  bright  array  ; 

And  Love  Divine  comes  forth 
To  light  her  on  her  way, 

Through  the  short  gloom  of  night, 
Into  celestial  day. 

7. 

The  Eternal  Father  calls 
His  Daughter  to  be  blest ; 

The  Son  His  Maiden-Mother 
Woos  unto  His  Breast ; 

The  Holy  Ghost  His  Spouse 
Beckons  into  her  rest. 

8. 

Swifter  and  swifter  grows 

That  marvellous  flight  of  love, 

As  though  her  heart  were  drawu 
More  vehemently  above ; 

While  jubilant  angels  ])art 
A  pathway  for  the  Dove  ! 

9. 

Hark  !  hark  !  through  highest  heaven 
What  sounds  of  mystic  mirth  ! 

Mary  by  God  proclaimed 
Queen  of  Immaculate  Birth, 

And  diademed  with  stars, 
The  lowliest  of  the  earth  ! 


MARY,  OUR  MOTHER,  REIGNS  ON  HIGH.    18i 


10. 


See  !  see !  the  Eternal  Hands 
Put  on  her  radiant  crown, 

And  the  sweet  Majesty 
Of  Mercy  sitteth  down, 

For  ever  and  for  ever, 

On  her  predestined  throne. 


48. 

MARY,  OUR  MOTHER,  REIGNS  ON  HIGH. 

1. 

O  vision  bright ! 

The  land  of  light 
Beams  goldenly  beyond  the  sky ! 

'Mid  heavenly  fires, 

'Bove  angel-choirs, 
Mary,  our  Mother,  reigns  on  high. 

2. 

O  vision  bright ! 

The  Father's  might 
All  round  His  daughter's  throne  doth  lie ; 

Where,  in  the  balm 

Of  endless  calm, 
Mary,  our  Mother,  reigns  on  high. 
16 


182    MAB  Y,  0  UB  MOTHEB,  BEIGNS  ON  HIGH. 

3. 

O  vision  briii'lit ! 

The  eternal  light 
Of  the  clear  Son  may  we  descry ; 

Where,  brighter  far 

Than  moon  or  star, 
Mary,  our  Mother,  reigns  on  high, 

4. 

O  vision  bright ! 

In  softest  flight 
The  Dove  around  His  Spouse  doth  fly ; 

Where,  in  that  height 

Of  matchless  light, 
Mary,  our  Mother,  reigns  on  high, 

5. 

O  vision  bright ! 

Angels'  delight ! 
The  Mother  sits  with  Jesus  nigh  : 

Her  form  Pie  bears, 

Her  look  He  wears ; 
Mary,  our  Mother,  reigns  on  high. 

6. 

O  vision  bright ! 

O  dearest  sight ! 
God,  with  His  Mother's  face  and  eye ! 

Where  by  His  side. 

All  glorified, 
Mary,  our  Motlier,  reigns  on  liigh. 


THE  GRANDEURS  OF  MARY.  183 


7. 


O  vision  bright ! 

Lifers  darkest  night 
Is  fair  as  dawn  when  thou  art  nigh ; 

Where,  'mid  the  throng 

Of  psalm  and  song, 
Mary,  our  Mother,  reigns  on  high. 

8. 

O  vision  bright  I 

O  land  of  light ! 
Thou  art  our  home  beyond  the  sky  j 

'Tis  grand  to  see 

How  gloriously 
Mary,  our  Mother,  reigns  on  high* 


49. 

THE  GRANDEUES  OF  MARY. 

1. 

What  is  this  grandeur  I  see  up  in  heaven, 
A  splendor  that  looks  like  a  splendor  divine^ 

What  creature  so  near  the  Creator  is  throned  ? 
O  Mary  !  those  marvellous  glories  are  thine  I 


184  THE  GRANDE UES  OF  MARi 

2. 

But  who  would  have  tlioni^ht  that  a  creature  could 
live 
With  the  fires  of  the  Godliead  so  awfully  nigh  ? 
Oh  who  could  have  dreamed,  mighty  Mother  of 
God! 
That  even   God's  power  could  have  raised  thee 


so  high  ? 


3. 


What  name  can  w^e  give  to  a  queenship  so  grand? 

What  thought  can  we  think  of  a  glory  like  this? 
Saints  and  angels  lie  far  in  the  distance,  remote 

From  the  golden  excess  of  thine  unmated  bliss. 

4. 

Thy  Person,  thy  Soul,  thy  most  beautiful  Form, 
Thine  Office,  thy  Name,  thy  most  singular 
Grace, — 

God  hath  made  for  them,  Mother  !  a  world  by  itself, 
A  shrine  all  alone,  a  most  worshipful  place. 

5. 

Mid  the  blaze  of  those  fires,  eternal,  unmade, 
Thy  Maker  unspeakably  makes  thee  His  own  ; 

The  arms  of  the  Three  Uncreated,  outstretched, 
Round  the  Word's  mortal  Mother  in  rapture  are 
thrown. 


THE  GRANDEURS  OF  MARY,  185 

6. 

Thy  sinless  Conception,  thy  jubilant  Birth, 

Thy  Crib  and  thy  Cross,  thine  Assumption  and 
Crown, 
They  have  raised  thee  on  high  to  the  right  hand  of 
Him 
Whom  the  spells  of  thy  love  to  thy  bosom  drew 
down. 

7. 

I  am  blind  with  thy  glory ;  in  all  God's  wide  world 
I  find  nothing  like  thee  fi)r  glory  and  power : 

I  can  hardly  believe  that  thou  grewest  on  earth, 
In  the  green  fields  of  Judah,  a  scarce-noticed 
flower, 

8. 

And  is  it  not  really  eternal,  divine  ? 

Is  it  human,  created,  a  glorified  heart. 
So  like  God  and  not  God  ?     Ah  !  Maker  of  men  1 

We  bless  Thee  for  being  the  God  that  Thou  art ! 

9. 

O  Mary,  what  ravishing  pageants  I  see, 

What  wonders  and  works  centre  round  thee  in 
heaven. 
What  creations  of  grace  fall  like  light  from  thy 
hands. 
What  Creator-like  powers  to  thy  prudence  are 
given ! 
16* 


186  THE  GRANDEURS  OF  MARY. 

la 

What  vast  jurisdiction,  what  numberless  realms, 
What  profusion  of  dread  and  unlimited  power, 

What  holy  supremacies,  awful  domains. 

The  Word's  mighty  Mother  enjoys  for  her  dower. 

11. 

What  grand  ministrations  of  pity  and  strength, 
What  endless  processions  of  beautiful  light, 

What  incredible  marvels  of  motherly  love, 

What  queenly  resplendence  of  empire  and  right  J 

12. 

What  sounds  as  of  seas  flowing  all  round  thy  throne. 

What  flashings  of  fire  from  thy  burning  abode. 
What  thunders  of  glory,  what  tempests  of  power, 

What  calms,  like  the  calms  in  the  Bosom  of  God  ! 

13. 

Inexhaustible  Wonder  !  the  treasures  of  GTod 
Seem  to  multiply  under  thy  marvellous  hand. 

And  the  power  of  thy  Son  seems  to  gain  and  to 
grow. 
When  He  deigns  to  obey  thy  maternal  command. 

14. 

Ten  thousand  magnificent  greatnesses  blend 

Their  vast  oceans  of  light  at  the  foot  of  thy  throne ; 

Ten  thousand  uns])cakable  majosties  grace 
The  royalty  vested  in  Mary  alone. 


THE  IMMACULATE  HEART  OF  MAEY.     187 

15. 

But  look  what  a  wonder  there  is  up  in  God  ! 

One  love,  like  a  special  Perfection,  we  see ; 
And  the  chief  of  thy  grandeurs,  great  Mother,  is 
there, — 

In  the  love  the  Eternal  Himself  has  for  thee ! 


50. 

THE  IMMACULATE  HEAET  OF  MARY. 

1. 

Mother  of  God !  we  hail  thy  Heart, 

Throned  in  the  azure  skies," 
While  far  and  wide  within  its  charm 
The  whole  creation  lies. 
O  sinless  Heart,  all  hail  ! 
God's  dear  delight,  all  hail ! 
Our  home,  our  home  is  deep  in  thee, 
Eternally,  eternally. 


Mother  of  God  !  from  out  thy  Heart 

Our  Saviour  fashioned  His  ; 
The  fountains  of  the  Precious  Blood 
Rose  in  thy  depths  of  bliss.    . 
O  sinless  Heart,  all  hail ! 
God's  dear  delight,  all  hail ! 
Our  home,  our  home  is  deep  in  thee. 
Eternally,  eternally. 


188     THE  IMMACULATE  HEART  OF  MARY. 

3. 

Mother  of  God  !  when  near  thy  Pleart 

The  uDborn  Saviour  lay, 
He  taught  it  how  to  burn  with  love 
For  sinners  gone  astray. 
O  sinless  Heart,  all  hail ! 
God's  dear  delight,  all  hail ! 
Our  home,  our  home  is  deep  in  thee, 
Eternally,  eternally. 

4. 

Mother  of  God  !  He  broke  thy  Heart 

That  it  might  wider  be. 
That  in  the  vastness  of  its  love 
There  might  be  room  for  me. 
O  sinless  Heart,  all  hail ! 
God's  dear  delight,  all  hail ! 
Our  home,  our  home  is  deep  in  thee, 
Eternally,  eternally. 

5. 

Mother  of  God  !  thy  Heart  hath  heights 

On  which  God  loves  to  dwell ; 
And  yet  the  lowliest  child  of  earth 
Is  welcome  there  as  well. 
O  siidess  Heart,  all  hail ! 
God's  dear  delight,  all  hail ! 
Our  home,  our  home  is  deep  in  thee, 
Eternally,  eternally. 


THE  IMMACULATE  HEART  OF  MARY.     189 

6. 

Mother  of  God  !  thy  Heart,  methinks, 

Deepens  the  bliss  of  God ; 
For  He  was  homeless  till  thy  Heart 
Gave  Him  a  sweet  abode. 
O  sinless  Heart,  all  hail ! 
God's  dear  delight,  all  hail ! 
Our  home,  our  home  is  deep  in  thee, 
Eternally,  eternally. 

7. 

IMother  of  God  !  thy  Heart  and  His 

Inseparably  shine ; 
The  Sacred  Heart  thou  worshippest 
Is  dutiful  to  thine. 

O  sinless  Heart,  all  hail ! 
God's  dear  delight,  all  hail ! 
Our  home,  our  home  is  deep  in  thee, 
Eternally,  eternally. 

8. 

Mother  of  God  !  who  owns  thy  Heart  ? 

Who  owns  that  love  of  thine  ? 
If  Jesus  takes  not  back  His  gifts. 
Mother  !  thy  Heart  is  mine, 
O  sinless  Heart,  all  hall ! 
God's  dear  delight,  all  hail ! 
Our  home,  our  home  is  deep  in  thee. 
Eternally,  eternally. 


190  M02iTU  OF  MAY, 


51. 
MONTH  OF  MAY. 

PIOUS  ASPIRATIONS  TO  THE   MOTHER  OF  GOD,  FOR 
EVERY  DAY  IN  THE  MONTH. 

(fEOM  the  ITALIAN.) 
1. 

Joy  of  my  heart !  O  let  me  pay 

To  thee  thine  own  sweet  month  of  ]\Iay. 

2. 

Mary  !  one  gift  I  beg  of  thee, 
My  soul  from  sin  and  sorrow  free. 

3. 

Direct  my  wandering  feet  aright, 
And  be  thyself  mine  own  true  light. 

4. 

Be  love  of  thee  the  purging  fire, 

To  cleanse  for  God  my  heart's  desire. 

5. 

IVIother !  be  love  of  thee  a  ray     • 

From  heaven,  to  show  the  heavenward  way. 


MONTH  OF  MAY.  191 


6. 


Mary  !  make  haste  thy  child  to  win 
From  sin,  and  from  the  love  of  sin. 


7. 


Mother  of  God  !  let  my  poor  love 
A  mother's  prayers  and  pity  move. 

8. 

O  Mary,  when  I  come  to  die, 

Be  thou,  thy  spouse,  and  Jesus  nigh. 

9. 
When  mute  before  the  Judge  I  stand, 
My  holy  shield  be  JNlary's  hand. 

10. 

O  Mary  !  let  no  child  of  thine 
In  hell's  eternal  exile  pine. 

11. 

If  time  for  penance  still  be  mine 
Mother,  the  precious  gift  is  thine. 

12. 

Thou,  Mary,  art  my  hope  and  life, 
The  starlight  of  this  earthly  strife. 

13. 

Oh,  for  my  own  and  others'  sin 

Do  thou,  ^vho  canst,  free  pardon  win. 


192  MONTH  OF  MAY. 

14. 

To  sinners  all,  to  me  the  cliief, 
Send^  Mother,  send  thy  kind  relief. 

15. 

To  thee  our  love  and  troth  are  given ; 
Pray  for  us,  pray,  bright  Gate  of  Heaven. 

16. 

Sweet  Day-Star  !  let  thy  beauty  be 
A  light  to  draw  my  soul  to  thee. 

17. 

We  love  thee,  light  of  sinners'  eyes ! 
Oh  let  thy  prayers  for  sinners  rise, 

18. 

Look  at  us,  IMother  ^lary  !  see 
How  piteously  we  look  to  thee. 

19. 

I  am  thy  slave,  nor  would  I  be 

For  worlds  from  this  sweet  bondage  free. 

20. 

O  Jesus,  Joseph,  Mary  deign 

My  soul  in  heavenly  ways  to  train. 

21. 

Sweet  Stewardess  of  God,  thy  prayers 
We  beg,  who  are  God's  ransomed  heirs. 


MONTH  OF  MA  Y,  1 93 


22. 


O  Virgin-born !  O  Flesh  Divine  ! 
Cleanse  us,  and  make  us  wholly  Thine. 

23. 

Mary,  dear  Mistress  of  my  heart, 
What  thou  wouldst  have  me  do  impart. 

24. 

Thou,  who  wert  pure  as  driven  snow, 
Make  me  as  thou  wert  here  below. 

25. 

O  Queen  of  Heaven !  obtain  for  me 
Thy  glory  there  one  day  to  see. 

26. 

Oh  then  and  there,  on  that  bright  day, 
To  me  thy  womb's  chaste  Fruit  display. 

27. 

Mother  of  God !  to  me  no  less 
Vouchsafe  a  mother's  sweet  caress. 

28. 

Be  love  of  thee,  my  whole  life  long, 
A  seal  upon  my  wayward  tongue. 

29. 

Write  on  my  heart's  most  secret  core 
The  five  dear  Wounds  that  Jesus  bore. 
17 


194  OHl  BALMY  AND  BRIGHT. 

30. 

Oh  give  me  tears  to  slicd  witli  tlice 
Beneath  the  Cross  on  Calvary. 

31. 

One  more  request,  and  I  have  done ; 
With  love  of  thee  and  thy  dear  Son 
More  let  me  burn,  and  more  each  day, 
Till  love  of  self  is  burned  away. 


52. 

OH !  BALMY  AND  BRIGHT.      " 

1. 

Oh  !  balmy  and  bright  as  moonlit  night, 
Is  the  love  of  our  Blessed  Mother ; 

It  lies  like  a  beam 

Over  life's  cold  stream. 
And  life  knows  not  such  another, 
Oh  life  knows  not  such  another ! 

2. 

The  month  of  May  with  a  grace  a  day 
Shines  bright  with  our  Blessed  Mother ; 

The  angels  on  high 

In  the  glorious  sky. 
Oh  they  know  not  such  another. 
Nay  they  know  not  such  another  1 


OH!  BALMY  AND  BRIGHT.  195 

3. 

The  angels'  Queen,  the  beautiful  Queen, 
Is  the  sinner's  patient  mother  ; 

With  pardon  and  peace 

And  the  soul's  release, 
Where  shall  we  find  such  another, 
Where  shall  we  find  such  another  ? 

4. 

O  IMary's  Heart,  the  Immaculate  Heart, 
The  Heart  of  the  Saviour's  Mother ; 

All  heaven  shows  brig^ht 

In  its  clear  sweet  light, 
God  hath  not  made  such  another, 
God  hath  not  made  such  another ! 

5. 

But  Mary's  love,  her  plentiful  love, 
Lives  not  in  earthly  mother ; 
'Twill  show  us  at  last, 
When  the  strife  is  past. 
Our  merciful  God  as  our  Brother, 
Our  merciful  God  as  our  Brother ! 


196         MAIIY,  THE  FLOWER  OF  HEAVEN. 


53. 

MARY,  THE  FLOWER  OF  HEAVEN. 

1. 

O  Flower  of  Grace !  divinest  Flower  ! 
God's  light  thy  life,  God's  love  thy  dower  I 
That  all  alone  Avith  virgin  ray 
Dost  make  in  heaven  eternal  May, 
Sweet  falls  the  peerless  dignity 
Of  God's  eternal  choice  on  thee ! 

IMother  dearest !  Mother  fairest ! 

Maiden  purest !  Maiden  rarest ! 

Help  of  earth  and  joy  of  heaven  ! 

Love  and  praise  to  thee  be  given, 
Blissful  Mother  !  Blissful  Maiden ! 

2. 

Choice  Flower  !  that  bloomest  on  the  breast 

Of  Jesus,  which  is  now  thy  rest. 

As  thine  was  once  the  chosen  bed 

Of  His  dear  Heart  and  sacred  Head ; 

O  ^lary  !  sweet  it  is  to  see 

Thy  Son's  creation  graced  by  thee ! 

Mother  dearest !  Mother  fiiirest ! 

Maiden  purest !  Maiden  rarest ! 

Help  of  earth  and  joy  of  heaven  I 

Love  and  praise  to  thee  be  given. 
Blissful  Mother!  Blissful  Maiden! 


3fARY,  THE  FLOWER  OF  HEAVEN.        197 

3. 

O  queenly  Flower  !  enthroned  above, 

The  trophy  of  almighty  love  ! 

Ah  me  !  how  He  hath  hung  thee  round 

With  all  love-tokens  that  abound 

With  God's  own  light,  beyond  the  reach 

Of  angel  song  or  mortal  speech  ! 

Mother  dearest !   Mother  fairest ! 

Maiden  purest !  Maiden  rarest ! 

Help  of  earth  and  joy  of  heaven  * 

Love  and  praise  to  thee  be  given, 
Blissful  Mother  !  Blissful  Maiden  . 

4. 

O  Flower  of  God  !  divinest  Flower ! 
Elected  for  His  inmost  bower ! 
Where  angels  come  not,  there  art  thou; 
A  crown  of  glory  on  thy  brow, 
While  far  below,  all  bright  and  brave. 
Their  gleamy  palms  the  Ransomed  wave. 

Mother  dearest !  Mother  fairest ! 

Maiden  purest !  Maiden  rarest ! 

Help  of  earth  and  joy  of  heaven  . 

Love  and  praise  to  thee  be  given, 
Blissful  Mother  !  Blissful  Maiden  ! 

5. 

O  bless  thee  for  thy  beauty,  then, 
Delight  of  angels,  trust  of  men  ! 
A  sceptre  unto  thee  is  given, 
Qaeen  of  the  Sacred  Heart !  in  heaven, 
17* 


198         3IAEY,  THE  FLOWER  OF  HEAVEN. 

Like  His  who  made,  O  blest  decree  I 
Thee  for  Himself,  all  else  for  thee ! 

Mother  dearest !  Mother  fairest ! 

Maiden  purest !  jNIaideu  rarest ! 

Help  of  earth  and  joy  of  heaven  ! 

Love  and  praise  to  thee  be  given, 
Blissful  Mother  !  Blissful  Maiden  ! 

6. 

O  godlike  Creature  !  nigh  to  God  ! 
In  whom  the  Eternal  Word  abode  ! 
The  mirror  of  God's  beauty  thou, 
On  thee  His  dread  perfections  show 
So  pal})ably,  men's  hearts  might  faint 
With  an  exceeding  ravishment. 

Mother  dearest !   ^lother  fairest ! 

Maiden  purest !  Maiden  rarest ! 

Help  of  earth  and  joy  of  heaven ! 

Love  and  praise  to  thee  be  given, 
Blissful  Mother  !  Blissful  JNIaiden  ! 

7. 

Yet  thou  didst  bloom  on  earth  at  first, 
In  meekness  proved,  in  sorrow  nursed; 
And  heaven  must  own  its  debt  to  earth, 
Sweet  flower  !  for  thy  surpassing  worth  ; 
And  angels,  for  their  Queen's  dear  sake, 
Our  road  to  thee  more  smooth  shall  make. 

Mother  dearest !   INIother  fairest ! 

Maiden  purest !  Maiden  rarest ! 

Help  of  earth  and  joy  of  heaven  I 

Love  and  praise  to  thee  be  given, 
Blissful  Mother!  Blissful  Maiden  ! 


MARY,  THE  FLOWER  OF  HEAVEN.        199 

8. 

O  Help  of  Christians  !  mercy-laden ! 
O  blissful  Mother  !  Blissful  Maiden  ! 
O  Sinless  !  were  it  not  for  thee, 
There  were  in  faith  no  liberty 
To  hold  that  God  could  stoop  so  low, 
Or  love  His  sinful  creatures  so. 

Mother  dearest !   Mother  fairest ! 

Maiden  purest !  Maiden  rai'est ! 

Help  of  earth  and  joy  of  heaven ! 

Love  and  praise  to  thee  be  given, 
Blissful  Mother  !  Blissful  Maiden ! 

9. 

O  Mary  !  when  we  think  of  thee, 
Our  hearts  grow  light  as  light  can  be ; 
For  thou  hast  felt  as  we  have  felt, 
And  thou  hast  knelt  as  we  have  knelt ; 
And  so  it  is, — that  utterly, 
Mother  of  God  !  we  trust  in  thee  ! 

Mother  dearest !  Mother  fairest ! 

Maiden  purest !  Maiden  rarest! 

Help  of  earth  and  joy  of  heaven ! 

Love  and  praise  to  thee  be  given, 
Blissful  Mother  !  Blissful  Maiden ! 


200  SWEET  MOTHER-MAID. 

54. 

SWEET  MOTHER-MAID. 

1. 

*riie  moon  is  in  the  heavens  above, 

And  its  light  lies  on  the  foamy  sea ; 
So  shines  the  star  of  Mary's  love 
O'er  this  stormy  scene  of  misery. 

Our  hands  to  life's  hard  work  are  laid, 
But  our  hearts  are  thine, 

Sweet  Mother-Maid ! 

2. 

Oh  thou  art  bright  as  bright  can  be, 

And  as  bountiful  as  thou  art  brioht ; 
And  welcome  is  the  thought  of  thee, 
As  the  fra<]:rance  of  an  eastern  niirht ! 
Our  hands  to  life's  hard  work  are  laid, 
But  our  hearts  are  thine. 

Sweet  Mother-Maid ! 

3. 

Wide  earth  can  give  no  place  of  rest, 

And  for  sorrow's  tale  it  hath  no  ear; 
But  all  woes  plead  within  thy  breast. 
For  it  echoes  e'en  the  silent  tear. 

Our  hands  to  life's  hard  work  are  laid, 
But  our  hearts  are  thine, 

Sweet  Mother-Maid ! 


SWEET  MOTHER-MAID.  201 

■4. 

"We  are  no  longer  desolate, 

Though  our  sins  have  stricken  us  at  heart ; 
Whom  thou  didst  bear  hath  borne  their  weight, 
And  thou  wert  His  partner  in  the  smart. 
Our  hands  to  life's  hard  work  are  laid, 
But  our  hearts  are  thine, 

Sweet  Mother-Maid ! 

5. 

Calm  as  the  blessed  eye  of  God 

When  it  looks  o'er  all  this  world  below, 
He  bids  thee  shed  His  peace  abroad 
With  a  secret  balm  for  every  woe. 

Our  hands  to  life's  hard  work  are  laid, 
But  our  hearts  are  thine, 

Sweet  Mother-Maid  ! 

6. 

By  thee  we  learn,  dear  spotless  Queen ! 

AVhat  a  glorious  God  our  God  must  be ; 
And  in  thy  glory  His  is  seen, 

For  He  shows  Himself  when  He  shotv^s  thee. 
Our  hands  to  life's  hard  work  are  laid, 
But  our  hearts  are  thiue, 

Sweet  Mother-Maid ! 


202     CONSOLA  TRIX  AFFLICTOR  UM. 


55. 

CONSOLATRIX  AFFLICTOHUM. 

1. 

Like  the  voiceless  starlight  falling 
Through  the  darkness  of  the  night, 

Like  the  silent  clewclrops  forming 
In  the  cold  moon's  cloudless  light, 

So  there  come  to  hearts  in  sorrow 
Mary's  angels  dear  and  bright. 

2. 

Like  the  scents  of  countless  blossoms 
That  are  trembling  in  the  air, 

Like  the  breaths  of  gums  that  perfume 
Sanily  deserts  bleak  and  bare, 

Are  our  Lady's  ceaseless  answers 
To  affliction's  lowly  prayer. 

3. 

They  are  endless,  they  are  countless, 
Like  the  leaves  upon  the  trees; 

They  are  healings  sweetly  hidden 
Like  the  fragrance  in  the  breeze ; 

They  are  spirits  to  the  drooping, 
Like  the  freshness  from  the  seas. 


CONSOLA  TRIX  AFFLICT  OR  U3L  203 

4. 

They  are  not  like  earthly  comforts, 

Nor  like  anything  on  earth  ; 
They  are  peacefnller  than  slumber, 

They  are  cheerful ler  than  mirth  ; 
They  are  light  to  all  life's  darkness, 

They  are  plenty  to  its  dearth. 

5. 

They  are  presences  and  foretastes 
Of  some  nameless  heavenly  things. 

From  the  golden  throne  of  IMary 
Wafted  down  to  us  on  wings ; 

Yet  they  come  to  none  but  mourners. 
To  the  hearts  that  sorrow  wrings. 

6. 

They  are  wondrous  thoughts  of  Jesus, 

They  are  presences  of  God, 
Giving  zest  to  weary  sadness, 

Or  strange  sweetness  to  the  rod. 
Filling  full  of  heavenly  sunbeams 

Sorrow's  dark  and  lone  abode. 

7. 

For  they  come  into  our  spirits 

AYith  a  soft  and  winning  might, 
And  they  make  our  Dead  look  brighter 

In  the  waking  hours  of  night. 
And  they  gently  turn  our  darkness 

Into  depths  of  tenderest  light. 


204  THE  QUEEN  OF  FUBGATOEY. 

8. 

Oh  !  it  is  as  if  some  fragments 
Of  the  <2:ol(len  cahns  of  heaven, 

By  the  mercy  of  our  Father, 
Into  Mary's  hands  were  given; 

But  to  earth  were  only  falling 
Upon  hearts  with  sorrow  riven. 

9. 

For  in  Mary's  ear  all  sorrow 

Singeth  ever  like  a  psalm  : 
"Welcome,  INIother  !  are  the  tempests 

Which  thou  lay  est  with  thy  calm ; 
Sweet  the  broken  hearts  thou  healest 

With  thine  own  heart's  nameless  balm ! 


56. 

THE  QUEEN  OF  PURGATOEY. 
1. 

O  turn  to  Jesus,  Mother !  turn, 

And  call  Him  by  His  tenderest  names ; 

Pray  for  the  Holy  Souls  that  burn 
This  hour  amid  the  cleansing  flames. 

2. 

Ah  !  they  have  fought  a  gallant  fight ; 

In  death's  cold  arms  they  persevered ; 
And  after  life's  uncheery  night, 

The  arbor  of  their  rest  is  neared. 


THE  QUEEN  OF  FUBGATOEY.  205 

3. 

In  pains  beyond  all  earthly  pains, 
Favorites  of  Jesus  !  there  they  lie, 

Letting  the  fire  wear  out  their  stains, 
And  worshipping  God's  purity. 

4. 

Spouses  of  Christ  they  are,  for  He 
Was  wedded  to  them  by  His  Blood ; 

And  angels  o'er  their  destiny 
In  wondering  adoration  brood. 

5. 

They  are  the  children  of  thy  tears ; 

Then  hasten.  Mother !  to  their  aid ; 
[n  pity  think  each  hour  appears 

An  age  while  glory  is  delayed. 

6. 

See,  how  they  bound  amid  their  fires. 
While  pain  and  love  their  spirits  fill ; 

Then  with  self-crucified  desires 
Utter  sweet  murmurs,  and  lie  still. 

7. 

Ah  me  !  the  love  of  Jesus  yearns 

O'er  that  abyss  of  sacred  pain, 
And,  as  He  looks,  His  bosom  burns 

With  Calvary's  dear  thirst  again. 

18 


206         FOR  OUR  LADY'S  MINOR  FEASTS. 

8. 

O  ^lary  !  let  thy  Son  no  more 

His  lingering  Spouses  thus  expect; 

God's  children  to  their  God  restore, 
And  to  the  Spirit  His  elect. 

9. 

Pray  then,  as  thou  hast  ever  prayed ; 

Angels  and  Souls  all  look  to  thee ;    . 
God  waits  thy  prayers,  for  He  hath  made 

Those  prayers  His  law  of  charity. 


57. 
FOR  OUR  LADY'S  MINOR  FEASTS. 

1. 

O  Mother  !  will  it  always  be, 

That  every  passing  year 
Shall  make  thee  seem  more  beautiful, 

Shall  make  thee  grow  more  dear  I 

2. 

And  art  thou  really  infinite, 
That  thou  shouldst  thus  unfold 

Fresh  glories  every  feast  that  comes. 
New  grandeurs  yet  untold  ? 


FOB  OUR  LADY'S  MINOR  FEASTS.        207 

3. 

We  knew  thee  to  be  free  from  stain 

As  is  the  sun's  white  beam  ; 
We  knew  GocVs  Mother  must  be  great 

Above  what  we  could  dream. 

4. 

We  knew  thy  sorrows  and  thy  joys ; 

We  knew  thee  full  of  grace ; 
We  seemed  to  know  thy  very  heart, 

And  the  look  upon  thy  face. 

5. 

Thy  crown  of  apostolic  stars, 

We  knew  that  it  shines  bright, 
Where  angels  see  thee  throned  as  Queen 

Almost  beyond  their  sight. 

6. 

Yet  now  it  seems  we  know  thee  not ; 

Each  feast-day  we  begin 
To  know  thee  in  a  truer  way, 

And  truer  love  to  win. 

7. 

For  hearts  so  small  as  ours  we  thought 

Our  love  was  great  and  true ; 
Yet  our  past  love  now  seems  hardly  love, 

While  thy  love  is  so  new. 


208         FOR  OUR  LADY'S  MINOR  FEASTS. 

8. 

O  ^lothcr  thou  art  like  the  life 

The  blessed  lead  above, 
Unchanii'eable.  yet  growing  still 

In  glory  and  in  love. 

9. 

Thou  art.  and  vet  art  not.  the  same ; 

'Id  things  pass  not  away  ; 
Yet  thou  to-morrow  wilt  be  more 
Than  tlip  Mary  of  to-day. 

10. 

Like  waxing  moons,  each  holy  feast 
Thou  dost  more  light  disclose ; 

And  our  love,  as  jt  watches  thine, 
Still  up  to  thy  love  grows. 

11. 

How  close  to  God,  how  full  of  God, 
Dear  Mother,  must  thou  be ! 

For  still  the  more  we  know  of  God, 
The  more  we  think  of  thee. 

12. 

This  is  thy  gift — oh  give  it  us  ! — 
To  make  God  better  known  : 

Ah  Mother !  make  Him  in  our  hearts 
More  grand  and  more  alone. 


A  DAILY  HYMN  TO  MARY.  209 


58. 

A  DAILY  HYMN  TO  MARY. 

FOR  THE  CHILDREN   OF  ST.  PHILIP'S   HOME. 

1. 

Mary  !  dearest  INIother  ! 

From  thy  heavenly  height 
Look  on  uy  thy  children, 

Lost  in  earth's  dark  night. 

2. 

Mary  !  purest  creature  ! 

K  eep  us  all  from  sin  ; 
Help  us  erring  mortals 

Peace  in  heaven  to  win. 

3. 

Mary  !  Queen  and  Mother ! 

Get  us  still  more  grace, 
With  still  greater  fervor 

Now  to  run  our  race. 

4. 

Daughter  of  the  Father ! 

Lady  kind  and  sweet ! 
Lead  us  to  our  Father, 

Leave  us  at  His  Feet. 
18* 


210  A  DAILY  HYMN  TO  MARY. 

5. 

Motlier  of  our  Saviour, 
Joy  of  God  above  ! 

Jesus  bade  thee  keep  us 
In  Plis  fear  aud  love. 

6. 

Mary  !  Spouse  and  servant 
Of  the  Holy  Ghost ! 

Keep  for  Him  His  creatures 
Who  would  else  be  lost, 

7. 

Holy  Queen  of  angels  f 
Bid  thiue  angels  come 

To  escort  us  safely 

To  our  heavenly  home, 

8. 

Bid  the  saints  in  heaven 
Pray  for  us  their  prayers ; 

They  are  tlune,  dear  Mother ! 
That  thou  mayst  be  theirs. 

9. 

Oh  we  love  thee,  IMary  ! 

Trusting  all  to  thee, 
What  is  past,  or  present. 

What  is  yet  to  be. 


A  DAILY  HYMN  TO  3IAEY.  211 


10. 


Get  us  what  tliou  pleasest, 
What  we  cannot  know, 

What  we  most  are  needing 
Every  day  below. 

11. 

Thou  didst  make  for  Jesus 
To  this  earth  a  road  ; 

Make  us  love  our  Saviour, 
Make  us  love  our  God. 

12. 

Cause  of  all  our  gladness  ! 

Make  us  glad  in  Him  ; 
Fill  our  hearts  wdth  fervor, 

Fill  them  to  the  brim. 

13. 

Sweeter  still  and  sweeter 
Dost  thou  grow  to  us, — 

Will  it,  dearest  Mother, 
Evermore  be  thus  ? 

14. 

O  not  yet,  sweet  Mother  I 
Is  our  love  of  thee 

AYhat  it  will  be  one  day 
In  eternity. 


212  THE  ORPHAN'S  CONSECRATION 

15. 

Josiis  !  hear  Thy  children 
From  Thy  throne  above;  • 

Give  us  love  of  Mary, 

As  Thou  wouldst  have  us  love. 


59. 

THE  ORPHAN'S  CONSECRATION  TO 
MARY. 

7011   NORWOOD. 
1. 

Mother  Mary  !  at  thine  altar 

We  thy  little  daughters  kneel ; 
With  a  faith  that  cannot  falter, 

To  thy  goodness  we  appeal. 
We  are  seeking  for  a  mother 

O'er  the  earth  so  waste  and  wide, 
And  from  off  His  Cross  our  Brother 

Points  to  Mary  by  His  side. 

2. 

We  have  seen  thy  picture  often 

With  thv  little  Babe  in  arms, 
And  it  ever  seemed  to  soften 

All  our  sorrows  with  its  charms; 
So  we  want  thee  for  our  ^lother, 

In  thy  gentle  arms  to  rest, 
And  to  share  with  Him  our  Brother 

That  sweet  pillow  on  thy  breast. 


TO  ^lARY.  213 


3. 


We  have  none  but  tliee  to  love  us 

With  a  Mother's  fondling  care ; 
And  our  Father,  God  above  us, 

Bids  us  fly  for  refuge  there. 
All  the  world  is  dark  before  us, 

We  must  out  into  its  strife; 
If  thy  fondness  watch  not  o'er  us,    ^ 

Oh  how  sad  will  be  our  life ! 

4. 

So  we  take  thee  for  our  iMother, 

And  we  claim  our  right  to  be, 
By  the  gilt  of  our  dear  Brother, 

Babes  and  daughters  unto  thee ; 
And  the  orphan's  consecration 

Thou  wilt  surely  not  despise, 
From  thy  bright  and  lofty  station 

Close  to  Jesus  in  the  skies. 

5. 

Mother  Mary  !  to  thy  keeping 

Soul  and  body  we  confide, 
Toiling,  resting,  waking,  sleeping, 

To  be  ever  at  thy  side ; 
Cares  that  vex  us,  joys  that  please  us. 

Life  and  death  we  trust  to  thee ; 
Thou  must  make  them  all  for  Jesus, 

And  for  all  eternity  ! 


214  SAliWT  J0:SEP1L 


60. 

SAINT  JOSEPH. 

1. 

Hail !  holy  Joseph,  hail ! 

Husband  of  Mary,  hail ! 
Chaste  as  the  lily  flower 

In  Eden's  peaceful  vale. 

2. 

Hail !  holy  Joseph,  hail ! 

Father  of  Christ  esteemed, 
Father  be  thou  to  those 

Thy  Foster-Son  redeemed. 

3. 

Hail !  holy  Joseph,  hail ! 

Prince  of  the  House  of  God, 
May  His  ])est  graces  be 

By  thy  sweet  hands  bestowed. 

4. 

Hail  !  lioly  Joseph,  hail ! 

Comrade  of  angels,  hail ! 
Cheer  thou  the  hearts  that  faint. 

And  guide  the  steps  that  fail. 


THE  PATRONAGE  OF  SAINT  JOSEPH,      215 

5. 

Hail !  holy  Joseph,  hail ! 

God's  choice  wert  thou  alone; 
To  thee  the  Word  made  flesh 

Was  subject  as  a  Son. 

6. 

Hail !  holy  Joseph,  hail ! 

Teach  us  our  flesh  to  tame, 
And,  Mary,  keep  the  hearts 

That  love  thy  husband's  name. 

7. 

Mother  of  Jesus  !  bless, 

And  bless,  ye  saints  on  high, 

All  meek  and  simple  souls 
That  to  Saint  Joseph  cry. 


61. 

THE  PATRONAGE  OF  SAINT  JOSEPH. 

1. 

Dear  Husband  of  Mary  !  dear  Nurse  of  her  Child ! 
Life's  ways  are  full  weary,  the  desert  is  wild ; 
Bleak  sands  are  all  round  us,  no  home  can  we  see ; 
Sweet  Spouse  of  our  Lady  !  we  lean  upon  thee. 


216       THE  PATRONAGP:  of  .SAIM  JU^EVIL 

2. 

For  til  on  to  the  pilp^rini  art  Father  and  Guide, 
And  Jesus  and  ^lary  felt  safe  by  thy  side ; 
AL  blessed  Saint  Joseph,  how  safe  shoukl  I  be, 
Sweet  Spouse  of  our  Lady  !   if  thou  wert  with  me ! 

3. 

O  blessed  Saint  Joseph  !  how  great  was  thy  worth, 
The  one  ehosen  shadow  of  God  upon  earth, 
The  Father  of  Jesus — ah  then  wilt  thou  be, 
Sweet  Spouse  of  our  Lady  !  a  father  to  me  ! 

4. 

Thou  hast  not  forgotten  the  long  dreary  road, 
When  ]\Iary  took  turns  with  thee,  bearing  thy  God  ] 
Yet  light  was  that  burden,  none  lighter  could  be ; 
Sweet  Spouse  of  our  Lady!  Oh  canst  thou  bear  me? 

5. 

A  cold  thankless  heart  and  a  mean  love  of  ease. 
What  weights,  blessed  Patron!    more  galling  than 

these? 
My  life,  my  past  life,  thy  clear  vision  may  see ; 
Sweet  Spouse  of  our  Lady!  Oh  canst  thou  love  me? 

(i. 

Ah  !  give  me  thy  burden  to  bear  for  a  while ; 

Let  me  kiss  His  warm  lips,  and  adore  His  sweet 

smile ; 
With  her  Babe  in  her  arms,  surely  Mary  will  be. 
Sweet  Spouse  of  our  Lady !  my  pleader  with  thee. 


SAINT  JOSEPH  OUR  FATHER.  217 

7. 

When  the   treasures  of  God  were   unsheltered   on 

earth, 
Safe  keeping  was  found  for  them  both  in  thy  worth, 
O  Father  of  Jesus,  be  father  to  me, 
Sweet  Spouse  of  our  Lady !  and  I  will  love  thee. 

8. 

God  chose  thee  for  Jesns  and  Mary — wilt  thou 
Forgive  a  poor  exile  for  choosing  thee  now  ? 
There  is  no  saint  in  heaven  I  worship  like  thee. 
Sweet  Spouse  of  our  Lady  !  oh  deign  to  love  me ! 


62. 

SAINT  JOSEPH  OUR  FATHER. 
1. 

There  are  many  saints  above 

Who  love  us  with  true  love, 
Many  angels  ever  nigh ; 

But  Joseph  !  none  there  be, 

Oh  none,  who  love  like  thee, — 
Dearest  of  Saints  !  be  near  us  when  we  die ! 

2. 

Thou  wert  guardian  of  our  Lord, 

Foster-father  of  the  Word, 
Who  in  thine  arms  did  lie : 

If  we  His  brothers  be. 

We  are  foster-sons  to  thee, — 
Dearast  of  Saints  !  be  near  us  when  we  die ! 

19 


218  SAINT  JOSEPH  OUR  FATHER. 

3. 

Thou  wert  Mary's  earthly  guide, 

For  ever  at  her  side, 
Oh  for  her  sake  hear  our  cry ; 

For  we  follow  in  thy  way, 

Loving  Mary  as  we  may ; — 
Dearest  of  Saints  !  be  near  us  when  we  die  I 

4. 

Thou  to  Mary's  virgin  love 

Wert  the  image  of  the  Dove, 
Who  was  her  Spouse  on  high ; 

Bring  us  gifts  from  Him,  dear  Saint ! 

Bring  us  comfort  when  we  faint; 
Dearest  of  Saints !  be  near  us  when  we  die ! 

5. 

Thou  wert  a  shadow  thrown, 
From  the  Father's  summit  lone^ 

Over  Mary's  life  to  lie  ; 
Oh  be  thy  shadow  cast 
O'er  our  present  and  our  past ; 

Dearest  of  Saints !  be  near  us  when  we  die  I 

6. 

Sadly  o'er  the  desert  sand, 

Into  Egypt's  darksome  land, 
As  an  exile  didst  thou  fly ; 

And  we  are  exiles  too, 

With  a  world  to  travel  through  ; 
Dearest  of  Saints !  be  near  us  when  we  die  I 


THE  HOLY  FAMILY.  219 

7. 

When  thy  gentle  years  were  run, 

On  the  bosom  of  thy  Son, 
Like  an  infant  didst  thou  lie : 

Oh  by  thy  happy  death, 

In  that  tranquil  Nazareth, 
Dearest  of  Saints !  be  near  us  when  we  die ! 


63. 

THE  HOLY  FAMILY. 

1. 

Praise,  praise  to  Jesus,  Joseph,  Mary, 

The   Three   on   earth   most    like   the   Three   in 
heaven ! 
Praise,  praise  to  Jesus,  Joseph,  IVIary, 

To  whom  these  Heavenly  Likenesses  were  given  1 
Come,  Christians,  come,  sweet  anthems  weaving, 
Come,  young  and  old,  come,  gay  or  grieving, 
Praise,  praise  with  me, 
Adoring  and  believing, 
God's  Family,  God's  Holy  Family ! 

2. 

Mid  Nazareth's  sequestered  mountains 

How  lovely  was  the  Household  of  the  Three, 

And  by  the  desert's  crystal  fountains 
What  secret  wonders  did  not  angels  see ! 


220  THE  HOLY  FAMILY. 

Come,  Christians,  come,  sweet  anthems  weaving, 
Come,  youn<i;  and  old,  come,  gay  or  grieving, 
Praise,  praise  with  me, 
Adoring  and  believing, 
God's  Family,  God's  Holy  Family! 

3. 

Then  by  the  dark  Egyptian  river^ 

Joseph,  the  Mother,  and  the  marvellous  Child, 
Heard  the  chill  night-wind  softly  quiver 
In  the  tall  palms  or  o'er  the  sandfields  wild. 
Come,  Christians,  come,  sweet  anthems  weaving, 
Come,  young  and  old,  come,  gay  or  grieving, 
Praise,  praise  with  me. 
Adoring  and  believing, 
God's  Family,  God's  Holy  Family ! 

4. 

Bweet  Family  !  swift  years  are  speeding ; 

Thrice   ten   have   passed   o'er   Nazareth's    secret 
home : 
Poor,  weary  world  !  it  lies  all  bleeding : 

Why  should  it  wait?      Why  should  not  Jesus 

come  ? 
Come,  Christians,  come,  sweet  anthems  weaving, 
Come,  young  and  old,  come,  gay  or  grieving. 
Praise,  praise  with  me, 
Adoring  and  believing, 
God's  Family,  God's  Holy  Family  ! 


THE  HOL  Y  FAMIL  Y.  22 1 

5. 

Sweet  Family  !  thy  charms  detain  Him  ; 

Thou  savest  Him  from  an  untimely  woe : 
Fronr  men  that  would  too  soon  have  slain  Him 
He  hides  in  thee,  God's  Paradise  below  ! 
Come,  Christians,  come,  sweet  anthems  weaving, 
Come,  young  and  old,  come,  gay  or  grieving, 
Praise,  praise  with  me, 
Adoring  and  believing, 
God's  Family,  God's  Holy  Family  ! 

6. 

O  House  of  Nazareth  !  Earth's  Pleaven  ! 

Our  households  now  are  hallowed  all  by  thee ; 
All  blessings  come,  all  gifts  are  given. 
Because  of  thy  dear  Earthly  Trinity ; 
Come,  Christians,  come,  sweet  anthems  weaving. 
Come,  young  and  old,  come,  gay  or  grieving, 
Praise,  praise  with  me. 
Adoring  and  believing, 
God's  Family,  God's  Holy  Family! 

7. 

Sing  to  the  Three  with  jubilation  ! 

Husbands  and  wives,  parents  and  children  sing  ! 
Siiiii;  to  the  House,  from  which  salvation 

Flows  o'er  your  homes  as  from  a  hidden  spring  ! 
Come,  Christians,  come,  sweet  anthems  weaving. 
Come,  young  and  old,  come,  gay  or  grieving, 
Praise,  praise  with  me. 
Adoring  and  believing, 
God's  Family,  God's  Holy  Family  ! 
19* 


222     TUE  BANNER  OF  THE  HOLY  FAMILY. 

8. 

Now  praise,  oh  praise  the  sinless  jNIotlier, 

Praise  to  that  Household's  gentle  ]\Iaster  be ; 
And,  with  the  Child  whom  we  call  Brother, 
Weep,  weep  for  joy  of  that  dear  Family  ! 
Come,  Christians,  come,  sweet  anthems  weaving. 
Come,  young  and  old,  come,  gay  or  grieving, 
Praise,  praise  with  me. 
Adoring  and  believing, 
God's  Family,  God's  Holy  Family ! 


64. 

THE  BANNER  OF  THE   HOLY  FAIMTLY. 

FOR  THE  CONFRATERNITY  AT  ST.  ANNE'S, 
SPITALFIELDS. 

To  arms !  to  arms  !  for  God  our  King  ! 

Hark  how  the  sounds  of  battle  ring  I 

Unfold  the  Banner  !  Raise  it  high, 

Dear  omen  of  our  victory  ! 

We  come,  and  Sion's  songs  we  sing ; 

We  come,  our  hands  and  hearts  we  bring 

Unto  the  Holy  Family  ! 

O  Banner  bright  !  how  brave  the  light 

Thy  three  fair  blazoned  Hearts  are  showing, 

Where  Jesus  lovingly  imparts 

To  Mary's  and  to  Joseph's  hearts 

The  light  with  which  His  Own  is  glo\Ning! 

Raise,  raise  the  Banner !  wave  on  high 

Its  broldcred  folds  against  the  slcy. 

Sons  of  the  Holy  Family  ! 


THE  BANNER  OF  THE  HOLY  FAMILY.     223 

1. 
Hark  !  the  sound  of  the  fight  hath  gone  forth, 

And  we  must  not  tarry  at  home ; 
For  our  Lord  from  the  south  and  the  north 

Hath  commanded  His  soldiers  to  come. 

To  arms  !  to  arms  !  for  God  our  King  ! 

Hark  how  the  sounds  of  battle  ring ! 

Unfold  the  Banner  !   Raise  it  high, 

Dear  omen  of  our  victory  I 

We  come,  and  Sion's  songs  we  sing ; 

We  come,  our  hands  and  hearts  we  bring 

Unto  the  Holy  Family  ! 

O  Banner  bright !  how  brave  the  light 

Thy  three  fair  blazoned  Hearts  are  showing, 

Where  Jesus  lovingly  imparts 

To  Mary's  and  to  Joseph's  hearts 

The  light  with  which  His  Own  is  glowing ! 

Raise,  raise  the  Banner !  wave  on  high 

Its  broidered  folds  against  the  sky, 

Sons  of  the  Holy  Family ! 

2. 

We  must  on,  with  our  Banner  unfurled : 

We  must  on,  it  is  Jesus  who  leads : 
We  must  hasten  to  conquer  the  world 

With  the  sign  of  the  Lamb  who  bleeds ! 

To  arms  !  to  arms  !  for  God,  our  King  ! 
Hark  how  the  sounds  of  battle  ring ! 
Unfold  the  Banner  !  Raise  it  high. 
Dear  omen  of  our  victory ! 


224     THE  BANNER  OF  THE  HOLY  FAMILY. 

We  come,  and  Sion's  songs  we  sing ; 

AVe  come,  our  hands  and  hearts  we  bring 

Unto  the  Holy  Family  ! 

O  Banner  bright !  how  brave  the  light 

Thy  three  fair  blazoned  Hearts  are  showing, 

Where  Jesus  lovingly  imparts 

To  Mary's  and  to  Joseph's  hearts 

The  light  with  which  His  Own  is  glowing ! 

Kaise,  raise  the  Banner  !  wave  on  high 

Its  broidered  folds  against  the  sky, 

Sons  of  the  Holy  Family ! 

3. 

We  must  stand  to  our  colors  like  men ; 

Our  Lord  is  a  leader  to  love ; 
For  the  wounded  He  heals  :  and  the  slain 

He  crowns  in  His  city  above. 

To  arms  !  to  arms !  for  God  our  King  ! 

Hark  how  the  sounds  of  battle  ring ! 

Unfold  the  Banner  !  Raise  it  high, 

Dear  omen  of  our  victory  ! 

We  come,  and  Sion's  songs  we  sing ; 

We  come,  our  hands  and  hearts  we  bring 

Unto  the  Holy  Family  ! 

O  Banner  bright !  how  brave  the  light 

Thy  three  fair  blazoned  Hearts  are  showing, 

Where  Jesus  lovingly  imj)arts 

To  Clary's  and  to  Joseph's  hearts 

The  light  with  which  His  Own  is  glowing! 

Raise,  raise  the  Banner  !  wave  on  hiiih 

Its  broidered  folds  against  the  sky, 

Sons  of  the  Holy  Family! 


to" 


THE  BANNER  OF  THE  HOLY  FAMILY.     225 

4. 

We  must  march  to  the  battle  with  speed : 

Upon  earth  our  one  duty  is  strife : 
Oh  blest  are  the  soldiers  who  bleed 

For  the  Saviour  who  died  to  give  life ! 

To  arms  !  to  arms  !  for  God  our  King ! 

Hark  how  the  sounds  of  battle  ring ! 

Unfold  the  Banner !  Raise  it  high, 

Dear  omen  of  our  victory ! 

We  come,  and  Sion's  songs  we  sing ; 

We  come,  our  hands  and  hearts  we  bring 

Unto  the  Holy  Family  ! 

O  Banner  bright !  how  brave  the  light 

Thy  three  fair  blazoned  Hearts  are  showing, 

W^here  Jesus  lovingly  imparts 

To  Mary's  and  to  Josejih's  hearts 

The  light  with  which  His  Own  is  glowing ! 

Raise,  raise  the  Banner  !  wave  on  high 

Its  broidered  folds  against  the  sky, 

Sons  of  the  Holy  Family ! 

5. 

There  are  Three  up  in  heaven  above ; 

There  are  Three  upon  earth  below ; 
And  Theirs  is  the  standard  we  love. 

And  Theirs  the  sole  watchword  we  know. 

To  arms !  to  arms !  for  God  our  King ! 
Hark  how  the  sounds  of  battle  ring ! 
Unfold  the  Banner !   Raise  it  high. 
Dear  omen  of  our  victory  ! 


226     THE  BANNER  OF  THE  HOLY  FAMILY. 

We  come,  and  Sion's  songs  we  sing ; 

We  come,  our  hands  and  hearts  we  bring 

Unto  the  Holy  Family  ! 

O  Banner  bright !  how  brave  the  light 

Thy  three  fair  blazoned  Hearts  are  showings 

Where  Jesus  lovingly  imparts 

To  Mary^s  and  to  Joseph^s  hearts 

The  light  with  which  His  Own  is  glowing! 

Raise,  raise  the  Banner !  wave  on  high 

Its  broidered  folds  against  the  sky, 

Sons  of  the  Holy  Family  ! 

6. 

Let  us  sing  the  new  song  of  the  Lamb ; 

Let  us  sing  round  our  Banner  so  brave ; 
Let  us  sing  of  that  beautiful  Blood, 

That  was  shed  to  redeem  and  to  save ! 

To  arms  !  to  arms !  for  God  our  King ! 

Hark  how  the  sounds  of  battle  ring ! 

Unfold  the  Banner  !  Kaise  it  high. 

Dear  omen  of  our  victory  ! 

We  come,  and  Sion's  songs  we  sing ; 

We  come,  our  hands  and  hearts  we  bring 

Unto  the  Holy  Family  ! 

O  Banner  bright !  how  brave  the  light 

Thy  three  fair  blazoned  Hearts  are  showing, 

Where  Jesus  lovingly  imparts 

To  Mary's  and  to  Joseph's  hearts 

The  light  with  which  His  Own  is  glowing! 

Raise,  raise  the  Banner  !  wave  on  high 

Its  broidered  folds  against  the  sky. 

Sons  of  the  Holy  Family ! 


Ipart  jfourtb. 


HYMNS    65  —  89. 


ANGELS  AND  SAINTS. 


65. 

THE  CREATION  OF  THE  ANGELS. 

1. 

In  pulses  deep  of  threefold  Love, 
Self-hushed  and  self-possessed, 

The  mighty,  unbeginning  God 
Had  lived  in  silent  rest. 

2. 

"With  His  own  greatness  all  alone 

The  sight  of  Self  had  been 
Beauty  of  beauties,  joy  of  joys, 

Before  His  eye  serene. 

3. 

He  lay  before  Himself,  and  gazed 

As  ravished  with  the  sight, 
Brooding  on  His  own  attributes 

With  dread  untold  delight. 

4. 

No  t'es  were  on  His  bliss,  for  He 

Had  neither  end  nor  cause  ; 
For  His  own  glory  'twas  enough 

That  He  was  what  He  was. 
20  229 


230  THE  CREATION  OF  THE  ANGELS. 

5. 

His  gloiy  was  full  grown  ;  His  light 
Had  owned  no  dawning  dim ; 

His  love  did  not  outgrow  Himself, 
For  nought  could  grow  in  Him. 

6. 

He  stirred — and  yet  we  know  not  how 
Nor  wherefore  He  should  move ; 

In  our  poor  human  words,  it  was 
An  overflow  of  love. 

7. 

It  was  the  first  outspoken  word 
That  broke  that  peace  sublime, 

An  outflow  of  eternal  love 
Into  tlie  lap  of  time. 

8. 

He  stirred  ;  and  beauty  all  at  once 
Forth  from  His  Being  broke ; 

Spirit  and  Strength,  and  living  life, 
Created  things,  awoke. 

9. 

Order  and  multitude  and  light 

In  beauteous  showers  outstreamed ; 

And  realms  of  newly-fashioned  space 
With  radiant  angels  beamed. 


SAINT  MICHAEL.  231 


10. 


How  wonderful  is  life  in  heaven 

Amid  the  angelic  choirs, 
Where  uncreated  Love  has  crowned 

His  first  created  fires ! 

11. 

But,  see !  new  marvels  gather  tl:kere ! 

The  wisdom  of  the  Son 
With  heaven's  completest  wonder  ends 

The  work  so  well  begun. 

12. 

The  Throne  is  set :  the  blessed  Three 
Crowning  Their  w^ork  are  seen — 

The  Mother  of  the  First-Born  Son, 
The  first-born  creatures'  Queen  ! 


66. 

SAINT  MICHAEL. 

1. 

Hail,  bright  Archangel !  Prince  of  heaven ! 

Spirit  divinely  strong ! 
To  whose  rare  merit  hath  been  given 

To  head  the  angelic  throng ! 


232  SAINT  MICHAEL. 


2. 


Thine  the  first  worship  was,  when  ^loom 
Through  heaven's  thinned  ranks  did  move, 

Thus  giving  unto  God  the  bloom 
Of  young  creation's  love. 

3. 

Thy  zeal,  with  holiest  awe  inspired, 

All  other  zeals  outran. 
With  love  of  Mary's  honor  fired, 

And  of  the  Word  made  Man. 

4. 

For  God  to  thee,  O  vision  glad ! 

The  Virgin-Mother  showed. 
And,  in  His  lower  nature  clad, 

The  Eternal  Word  of  God. 

5. 

Then,  worshipping  the  splendor  sent, 

From  out  those  counsels  dim, 
In  meekest  adoration  bent. 

Thou  sangst  thy  voiceless  hymn : 

6. 

And  the  stars  answered  to  thy  song. 

The  Morning  Stars  of  heaven  ; 
And  His  first  praise  the  angelic  throng 

To  their  Queen's  Son  had  given. 


SAINl  MICHAEL.  233 


7. 


Zealot  of  Jesus !  from  thy  sword 

Fling  drops  of  gleamy  fire, 
To  make  our  worship  of  the  Word 

More  keenly  burn  and  higher. 

8. 

Our  vile  world-frozen  hearts  bedew 

With  thy  celestial  flame, 
And  burn  our  spirits  through  and  through 

With  zeal  for  Jesus'  JS^ame. 

9. 

O  Trumpet-tongued !  O  Beautiful ! 

O  Force  of  the  Most  High ! 
The  blessed  of  the  earth  look  dull 

Beside  thy  majesty, 

10. 

First  servant  of  the  Ineffable, 

The  first  created  eye, 
That  ever,  proved  and  perfect,  fell^ 

On  the  dread  Trinity  ! 

11. 

The  strength,  wherewith  thy  spirit  dared 

To  love  that  Blissful  Sight, 
That  mystery  to  thee  first  bared 

After  eternal  night — 

20* 


234  >SAINT  MICHAEL. 


12. 


Tliat  strength,  O  Prince!  is  strength  to  us, 

Comfort  and  dccjiest  joy, 
Tliat  our  dear  God  is  worshipped  thus 

Without  our  base  alloy. 

13. 

O  Michael !  worship  Him  this  night, 
The  Father,  Word,  and  Dove, 

Renewing  with  strong  act  the  might 
Of  thy  first  marvellous  love. 

14. 

Glory  to  Him,  the  Eternal  Dove, 

Whose  boundless  mercy  fed 
His  glory  from  thine  acts  of  love 

With  condescension  dread. 

15. 

Praise  to  the  Three,  whose  love  designed 

Thee  champion  of  the  Lord, 
Who  first  conceived  thee  in  His  mind, 

And  made  thee  with  His  Word. 

16. 

A^Hio  stooped  from  nothingness  to  raise 

A  life  like  thine  so  high. 
Beauty  and  being  that  should  praise 

His  love  eternally  ! 


SAINT  GABRIEL.  235 


67. 

SAINT  GABEIEL. 

1. 

Hail,  Gabriel !  hail !  a  thousand  Plails 
For  thine  whose  music  still  prevails 

In  the  world's  listening  ear ! 
Ans:elic  Word  !  sent  forth  to  tell 
How  the  Eternal  Word  should  dwell 

Amid  His  creatures  here  ! 

2. 

Familiar  of  the  Eternal  Word  ! 
To  thee  the  Wisdom  of  thy  Lord 

By  special  grace  was  shown ; 
And  in  the  secrets  of  His  will, 
Thy  love  for  sinners  drank  its  fill, 

And  made  our  lot  thine  own. 

3. 

In  the  dear  Word  thou  didst  behold 
More  even  than  thy  words  have  told, 

More  than  thou  couldst  impart; 
Decrees  of  God  before  thine  eye 
Passed  in  procession  silently, 

And  made  thee  what  thou  art, — 


236  SAINT  GABRIEL. 

4. 

Counsels  of  mercy,  oceans  bright 
Of  grace  to  overflow  the  night 

Of  man's  most  hapless  fall ; 
Predestination's  secret  might, 
The  Passion's  depth,  our  Lady's  height, 

The  Vision  crowning  all ! 

5. 

God's  Confidant !  fair  task  was  thine, 
Depths  within  depths  of  Love  Divine, 

To  fathom  and  adore, 
Till  e'en  thy  marvellous  mind  was  lost, 
Li  w^orship  blind  upon  that  coast 

Of  endless  More  and  More ! 

6. 

Angel  of  Jesus !  days  gone  by 
Bore  burdens  of  kind  prophecy 

To  quicken  hope  delayed  ; 
Then,  preluding  with  John's  sweet  name, 
At  length  thy  choicest  music  came 

Unto  the  Mother-Maid. 

7. 

Voice  of  heaven's  sweetness,  uttered  low, 
Thy  words  like  strains  of  music  grow 

Upon  the  stilly  night, 
Clear  echoes  froQi  the  Mind  of  God, 
Stealing  through  INIary's  blest  abode 

In  i^ulses  of  delight. 


SAINT  GABRIEL.  237 

8. 

O  Voice !  clear  Voice  !  the  ages  hear 
That  Hail  of  thine  still  lingering  neai', 

An  unexhausted  song ; 
And  still  thou  com'st  with  balmy  wing, 
Yea,  and  thou  seemest  still  to  sing, 

Thine  Ave  to  prolong. 

9. 

« 

O  meditative  Spirit !  bright 
With  beauty  and  abounding  light, 

Life  of  surpassing  bliss, 
Brooding,  profound,  most  calm  in  power, 
AYhat  joy  for  thee  to  feel  each  hour 

How  deep  thy  being  is  ! 

10. 

Pure  as  the  sunrise,  fair  as  light, 
Lovely  as  visions  of  the  night 

Where  saintly  souls  find  food ; 
Angel  of  worship  !  skilled  and  wise, 
Thou  hauntest  prayer  and  sacrifice, 

Because  they  fit  thy  mood. 

11. 

Zeal  burns  thee  like  a  quiet  fire, 
All  self-possessed  in  chaste  desire, 
•     As  DaniePs  was  of  old ; 
And  thou  hast  caught  from  God's  near  Throne 
His  love  of  creatures,  and  His  tone 
Of  charity  untold. 


238  SAINT  GABRIEL. 

12. 

O  blessed  Gabriel !  Tongue  of  God ! 
Sweet-spoken  Spirit !  thou  hast  showed 

To  us  the  AVord  made  Man ; 
He  bade  thee  break  His  silence  here; 
The  tale  thou  told'st  in  Mary's  ear 

His  coming  scarce  fore-ran. 

13. 

Jesus  is  nigh  where  Gabriel  is ; 
His  presence  too  was  Mary's  bliss, 

And  Daniel  loved  him  near ; 
Angel  of  grace  !  oh  prophecy 
To  us  of  God's  forgiving  Eye, 

Which  thou  canst  see  all  clear. 

14. 

Joseph  and  John  were  like  to  thee, 
Chosen  for  Mary's  custody 

In  her  retired  abode; 
Ah  Gabriel !  get  us  love  like  theirs. 
For  her  whose  unremitting  prayers 

Have  gained  us  love  of  God ! 

15. 

Take  up  in  heaven  for  us  thy  part. 
And,  singing  to  the  Sacred  Heart, 

Thy  strains  of  rapture  raise ; 
And  tune  with  endless  Ave  still 
The  voices  of  the  Blest,  and  fill 

The  ear  of  God  with  praise ! 


SAINT  RAPHAEL.  239 


68. 

SAINT  RAPHAEL. 

1. 

By  the  spring  of  God's  Compassions, 

Where  the  light  is  hard  to  bear, 
Oh  who  is  that  golden  Spirit 

So  intently  gazing  there  ? 
By  the  sealed  and  secret  fountain 

In  the  midst  of  the  Abyss, 
Where  God's  love  of  human  nature 

Springs  in  life  and  light  and  bliss  : — 

2. 

That  mysterious  choice  and  liking 

For  our  race  above  the  rest, 
Which  is  something  more  than  mercy 

In  the  Eternal  Father's  breast : — 
O'er  that  fountain  ever  leaning, 

As  if  listening  to  the  sound, 
A  majestic  Spirit  watches, 

In  adoring  rapture  bound. 

3. 

He  hath  watched  there  countless  ages ; 

It  hath  been  his  special  grace; 
He  hath  learned  a  thousand  secrets 

From  the  spirit  of  the  place. 


240  SAINT  RAPHAEL. 

He  beholds  all  God's  perfections ; 

Yet  he  chiefly  loves  to  scan 
That  nameless  leaning  in  the  Godhead, 

Which  is  special  love  of  man. 

4. 

He  is  glorious  midst  the  angels, 

Midst  the  highest  there  in  heaven, 
Standing  almost  in  the  furnace, 

One  of  God's  selected  Seven ! 
He  is  special  in  his  beauty ; 

Like  unto  him  there  is  none ; 
Tender,  patient,  and  pathetic. 

Dear  Saint  Raphael  stands  alone, 

5. 

He  hath  drunk  of  that  one  fountain 

In  the  Godhead's  placid  breast, 
Till  his  beautiful  broad  spirit 

Is  with  love  of  man  possessed. 
Oh  look,  look  upon  his  beauty, 

E'en  in  heaven  how  passing  fair ! 
God  Himself,  O  grand  Archangel ! 

Deems  thee  bright  beyond  compare. 

6. 

Thou  art  special  in  thy  longings. 
Thou  art  special  in  thy  crown ; 

Heaven  wonders  at  thy  beauty, — 
'Tis  a  beauty  of  thy  own. 


SAINT  RAPHAEL.  24] 

Thou  art  Kaphael  the  Healer, 

Thou  art  Raphael  the  Guide, 
Thou  art  Raphael  the  Comrade 

Aye  at  human  sorrow's  side. 

7. 

Thou  hast  loved  us  like  the  Father, 

With  an  unbought  love  and  free ; 
Like  the  Father's  pensive  sweetness 

Is  the  love  of  man  in  thee. 
Thou  hast  loved  us  with  that  longing 

Which  so  wrought  upon  the  Word, 
That  He  took  our  flesh  upon  Him, 

And  our  race  to  thine  preferred. 

8, 

Yet  the  Person  of  the  Spirit 

Is  reflected  most  in  thee, 
With  thy  fires,  and  consolations, 

And  man-loving  jubilee : 
For  thy  proper  gift  is  gladness ; 

And  thy  nature  is  so  sweet 
Thou  art  made  to  be  the  shadow 

Of  the  Unmade  Paraclete. 

9. 

It  is  God's  exceeding  pathos. 

Which  has  tuned  thy  spirit  thus; 
It  is  God's  exceeding  sweetness, 

Which  inclines  thee  so  to  us. 

21 


242  SAINT  RAPHAEL. 

Like  the  Human  Heart  of  Jesus, 
Thou  art  loving  man  all  day : 

Like  the  cliaracter  of  Mary 
Is  thy  fashion  and  thy  way. 

10. 

There's  scarce  a  joy  thou  wouldst  not  forfeit 

The  sweet  joy  of  priests  to  win, 
Scarce  a  gift  thou  wouldst  not  barter 

For  the  i)ower  to  pardon  sin. 
O  Ai'changel  of  Compassion ! 

Unto  thee  God's  Heart  is  given ; 
For  thou  lov'st  the  gift  of  healing 

Most  of  all  the  gifts  of  heaven. 

11. 

Art  thou  angel,  blessed  Raphael ! 

Or  a  man  in  ano-ePs  e:uise  ? 
Or  His  likeness,  who  took  on  Him 

Fallen  man's  infirmities? 
Thou  wouldst  long  to  be  incarnate 

So  to  share  the  Saviour's  part ; 
For  the  angels'  s])irit  in  thee 

Beateth  strangely  like  a  heart! 

12. 

O  thou  human-hearted  Seraph ! 

How  I  long  to  see  thy  face, 
AVhere  in  silver  showers  of  beauty 

God  bedews  thee  with  His  o^race! 


THE  GUARDIAN  ANGEL.  243 

But  I  see  thee  now  in  spirit 

Mid  the  Godhead's  silent  springs, 

With  a  soft  eternal  sunset 
Sleeping  ever  on  thy  wings. 


69. 

THE  GUARDIAN  ANGEL. 

FOR  THE  SCHOOL  CHILDREN. 
1. 

Dear  Angel !  ever  at  my  side, 
How  loving  must  thou  be, 

To  leave  thy  home  in  heaven  to  guard 
A  guilty  wretch  like  me. 

2. 

Thy  beautiful  and  shining  face 

I  see  not,  though  so  near ; 
The  sweetness  of  thy  soft  low  voice 

I  am  too  deaf  to  hear. 

I 

3. 

I  cannot  feel  thee  touch  my  hand 
With  pressure  light  and  mild, 

To  check  me,  as  my  mother  did 
When  I  was  but  a  child. 


244  THE  G  UAIWIAN  ANGEL. 

4. 

But  I  have  felt  thee  in  my  thoughts 

Fightiug  with  sin  for  me; 
And  when  my  heart  loves  God,  1  know 

The  sweetness  is  from  thee. 

5. 

And  when,  dear  Spirit !  I  kneel  down 
Morning  and  night  to  prayer, 

Something  there  is  within  my  heart 
Which  tells  me  thuo  art  there. 

6. 

Yes  !  when  I  pray  thou  prayest  too, 

Thy  prayer  is  all  for  me ; 
But  when  I  sleep,  thou  sleepest  not, 

But  watchest  patiently. 

7. 

But  most  of  all  I  feel  thee  near, 
When,  from  the  good  priest's  feet, 

1  go  absolved,  in  fearless  love. 
Fresh  toils  and  cares  to  meet. 


8. 


o 


And  thou  in  life's  last  hour  wilt  brin^ 

A  fresh  supply  of  grace. 
And  afterwards  wilt  let  me  kiss 

Thv  beautiful  bright  face. 


THE  GUARDIAN  ANGEL.  245 

9. 

Ah  me  !  how  lovely  they  must  be 

Whom  God  has  glorified  ; 
Yet  one  of  them,  O  sweetest  thought ! 

Is  ever  at  my  side. 

10. 

Then,  for  thy  sake,  dear  Angel !  now 

More  humble  will  I  be  : 
But  I  am  weak,  and  when  I  fall, 

Oh  weary  not  of  me : 

11. 

O  weary  not,  but  love  me  still, 

For  Mary's  sake,  thy  Queen ; 
She  never  tired  of  me,  though  I 

Her  worst  of  sons  have  been, 

12. 

She  will  reward  thee  with  a  smile ; 

Thou  know'st  what  it  is  worth ! 
For  Mary's  smiles  each  day  convert 

The  hardest  hearts  on  earth. 

13. 

Then  love  me,  love  me,  Angel  dear  !• 

And  I  will  love  thee  more ; 
And  help  me  when  my  soul  is  cast 

Upon  the  eternal  shore. 

21* 


246  SAI^T  PETER  AND  SAINT  PAUL. 


70. 

SAINT  PETER  AND  SAINT  PAUL. 

1. 

It  is  no  earthly  summer's  ray 

That  sheds  this  golden  brightness  round, 
Crowning  with  heavenly  light  the  day 

The  Princes  of  the  Church  were  crowned. 

2. 

The  blessed  seer  to  whom  was  given 
The  hearts  of  men  to  teach  and  school, 

And  he  who  keeps  the  keys  of  heaven 
For  those  on  earth  that  own  his  rule, — 

3. 

Fathers  of  mighty  Rome,  whose  Avord 
Shall  pass  the  doom  of  life  or  death. 

By  humble  cross  and  bleeding  sword 
Well  have  they  won  their  laurel  wreath. 

4. 

O  happy  Rome,  made  holy  now 

By  these  two  martyrs'  glorious  blood. 

Earth's  best  and  fairest  cities  bow. 
By  thy  superior  claims  subdued. 


SAINT  JOHN  THE  EVANGELIST.  247 

5. 

For  thou  alone  art  worth  them  all, 

City  of  martyrs  !  thou  alone 
Canst  cheer  our  pilgrim  hearts,  and  call 

The  Saviour's  sheep  to  Peter's  throne. 

6. 

All  honor,  power,  and  praise  be  given 

To  Him  who  reigns  in  bliss  on  high, 
For  endless,  endless  years  in  heaven, 
One  only  God  in  Trinity ! 

Amen. 
From  the  Breviary,  "  Decora  lux  seternitatis  auream*" 


71. 
SAINT  JOHN  THE  EVANGELIST. 

1. 

Saint  of  the  Sacred  Heart, 
Sweet  teacher  of  the  Word, 

Partner  of  Mary's  woes, 
And  favorite  of  thy  Lord  ! 

2. 

Thou  to  whom  grace  was  given 
To  stand  when  Peter  fell ; 

Whose  heart  could  brook  the  Cross 
Of  Him  it  loved  so  well ! 


248  SAiyT  JOHN  THE  EVANGELIST. 

3. 

We  know  not  all  thy  gifts; 

But  this  Christ  bids  us  see, 
That  He  who  so  loved  all 

Found  more  to  love  in  thee. 

4. 

When  the  last  evening  came, 
Thy  head  was  on  His  breast, 

Pillowed  on  earth,  where  now 
In  heaven  the  saints  find  rest. 

5. 

Thy  long  fair  hair  hung  down, 
His  glance  spoke  love  to  thine, 

While  love's  meek  freedom  owned 
The  human  and  divine. 

6. 

His  Heart,  with  quickened  love, 
Because  His  hour  drew  near. 

Now  throbbed  against  thy  head, 
Now  beat  into  thine  ear. 

7. 

He  nursed  thee  in  His  lap. 
He  loved  thee  to  make  free; 

What  Mary  was  to  Him, 
He  made  Himself  to  thee. 


SAINT  JOHN  THE  EVANGELIST.  249 

8. 

God  and  His  friend,  so  free 

To  touch,  to  rest,  to  move  !j 
The  angels  Avondering  gazed, 

And  envied  human  love. 

9. 

Dear  Saint !  I  stand  far  off, 

With  vilest  sins  oppressed ; 
Oh  may  I  dare,  like  thee. 

To  lean  upon  His  breast  ? 

10. 

His  touch  could  heal  the  sick, 
His  voice  could  raise  the  dead  I 

Oh  that  my  soul  might  be 
Where  He  allows  thy  head. 

11. 

The  gifts  He  gave  to  thee 

He  gave  thee  to  impart ; 
And  I,  too,  claim  with  thee 

His  Mother  and  His  Heart. 

12. 

Ah  teach  me,  then,  dear  Saint ! 

The  secrets  Christ  taught  thee, 
The  beatings  of  His  Heart, 

And  how  it  beat  for  me. 


250  SAINT  ANNE. 

72. 

SAINT  ANNE. 

1. 

O  Anne  !  thou  hadst  lived  through  those  long  dreary 
years, 
When  childlessness  hung  o'er  thy  home   like  a 
blight ; 
But  angels,  dear  mother  !  were  counting  thy  tears, 
And  thy  patience,  like  Job's,  had  been  dear  in 
God's  sight. 

2. 

Thou  wert  meek  when  they  scorned  thee ;  thy  rest 
was  in  prayer ! 
Thy  sorrow   was   sharp,  yet   its   sharpness   was 
sweet  > 
When   those   that   were   round   thee  gave   way  to 
despair, 
Thy  faith  was  more  certain,  thy  trust  more  com- 
plete. 

3. 

Oh  the  vision  of  thee  in  thy  lone  mountain  home, 
AVith  thy  calm  l^roken  heart  so  heart-breaking  to 
see, 
In  those  dark  after-years  to  thy  Daughter  might 
come, 
And  the  great  Queen  of  sorrows  learn  somethinp- 
from  thee. 


SAINT  ANNE.  251 

4. 

But  joy  comes  at  length  to  all  hearts  that  believed, 
And  the  sighs  of  the  saints  must  at  last  end  in 
song;^ 

The  best  gifts  of  God  fall  to  those  who  have  grieved, 
And  His  love  is  the  stronger  for  waiting  so  long. 

5. 

Oh  blest  be  the  day  when  old  earth  bore  its  fruit, 
The  fairest  of  daughters  it  ever  had  seen, 

In  the  village  that  lies  at  the  white  mountain  foot, 
And  the  angels  sang  songs  to  the  young  Naza- 
rene ! 

6. 

Mid  the  carols  of  shepherds,  the  bleating  of  sheep. 
The  joy  of  that  birth,  blessed  Anne !    came  to 
thee, 
When  the   fruits   were   grown   golden,  the  grapes 
blushing  deep. 
In  the  fields  and  the  orchards  of  green  Galilee. 

7. 

Since  creation,  was  ever  such  gladness  as  thine, 
To  whom  God's  chosen  Mother  as  Daup:hter  was 
given  ? 
O  her  beautiful  eyes,  dearest  Anne,  how  they  shine, 
And  the  sound  of  her  voice  is  like  music  from 
heaven ! 


252  SAINT  ANNE. 

8. 

Why  was  it  thy  heart  did  not  break  Avith  excess 
Of  a  joy  that  was  harder  than  sorrow  to  bear? 

Perchance  had  thine  earlier  sorrows  been  less, 

Thou  couldst  not  have  lived  with  a  vision  so  fair. 

9. 

Like  a  presence   of  God   in  thy  home's  hallowed 
bound, 
Like  a  pageant  of  heaven  all  day  was  she  seen ; 
And  didst  thou  not  see  how  the  ano;els  throno;ed 
round, 
All  amazed  at  the  sight  of  their  infantine  Queen  ? 

10. 

She  was  crowned  even  then,  like  a  creature  apart. 
The  child  God  had  called  to  be  Mother  aud  Maid  ; 

Didst  thou  watch  how  the  fountains  of  blood  in  her 
heart. 
Like  the  founta,ins  in  Sion,  incessantly  played  ? 

11. 

O  Anne  !  from  that  blood  the  Creator  will  take 

The  Flesh  that  shall  save  the  lost  tribes  of  our  race ; 
And  His  wonderful  love  the  Eternal  will  slake 
At  thy  child's  sinless  heart,  at  those  fountains  of 
grace. 

12. 

O  Anne  !  joyous  Saint !  what  a  life  didst  thou  live. 
What  an  unbroken  brightness  of  innocent  bliss  ! 

Every  touch  of  thy  child  a  fresh  rapture  could  give, 
And  yet  didst  thou  not  kneel  ere  thou  daredst  to 
kiss  ? 


SAINT  MARY  MAGDALENE.  253 

13. 

And  we  too,  glad  mother !  are  gay  with  thy  mirth, 
For  he  who  loves  Mary  in  mirth  ever  lives ; 

There  is  brightness  and  goodness  all  over  the  earth, 
For  the  souls  Mary  welcomes  and  Jesus  forgives. 

14. 

Yes  !  gladness  makes  holy  the  poor  heart  of  man ; 

It  lightens  lifers  sorrows,  it  softens  its  smarts ; 
Oh  be  with  thy  children,  then,  dearest  Saint  Anne, 

For  Mary  thy  child  is  the  joy  of  our  hearts. 


73. 

SAINT  MARY  MAGDALENE. 

1. 

From  the  highest  heights  of  glory, 

Mid  the  sweets  of  endless  calm, 
Mary's  spirit  in  its  rapture. 

On  the  earth  is  dropping  balm. 
On  the  bosom  of  the  Saviour, 

Like  a  flower  of  stainless  white, 
Lies  the  trophy  of  His  mercy, 

In  a  blaze  of  heavenly  light. 

2. 

Pardoned  Sinner !  wondrous  Convert ! 

Was  there  ever  home  like  thine  ? 
Midst  the  splendors  of  the  angels 

How  thy  fervent  graces  shine  ! 

22 


254  SAINT  MARY  MAGDALENE. 

Ever  leaninor  ever  restins: 

Upon  Him  thou  lovMst  so  much, 

What  ecstatic  joys  burn  in  thee, 
From  the  sweetness  of  His  touch  ! 

3. 

And  yet  thou  too  once  wert  wandering, 

Once  wert  soiled  with  darkest  stains. 
Who  art  now  the  fairest  blossom 

In  the  land  where  Jesus  reigns. 
Thou  wert  wretched,  thou  wert  drooping, 

Thou  wert  crushed  upon  the  earth, 
Who  art  greater  now  and  grander 

Than  an  angel  in  his  mirth. 

4. 

Thou  didst  fly  unto  thy  Saviour, 

And  thine  eyes  were  fixed  on  His, 
While  thy  guilty  lips  were  printing 

On  His  feet  full  many  a  kiss : 
And  then,  wonder  of  compassion ! 

In  one  moment  thou  wert  free. 
And  a  gift  of  love  unequalled 

From  Plis  Heart  came  into  thee. 


5. 


Like  the  rising  of  the  ocean 
Was  the  tide  of  glorious  grace ; 

liike  the  beauty  of  the  morning 
Grew  the  beauty  of  thy  face ; 


SAINT  31  Alt y  MAGDALENE,  255 

Like  the  glory  of  an  angel 

Was  the  purity  within, 
Like  the  whiteness  of  thy  namesake, 

Of  the  Mary  without  Sin  ! 

6. 

Blessed  swiftness  of  a  pardon 

Which  thy  guilt  could  not  delay  ! 
Happy  penance  of  a  moment 

Burning  life-long  sins  away  ! 
O  those  gentle  Eyes  of  Jesus, 

And  those  tender  Words  He  said  ! 
O  the  value  that  he  places 

On  the  tears  that  sinners  shed ! 

7. 

The  sweet  fragrance  of  thine  ointment 

All  the  earth  is  filling  now  ; 
And  thy  tears  are  turned  to  jewels 

For  a  crown  upon  thy  brow  : 
There  are  thousands  in  all  ao^es 

Come  to  Christ  because  of  thee, 
Oh  then,  Mary,  w4th  thy  converts 

In  thy  kindness  number  me  ] 

8. 

Queen  of  Penance  !  Queen  of  fervor ! 

Thou  art  martyr  too  of  love, 
And  thy  likeness  to  thy  Saviour 

Makes  the  angels  glad  above. 


256  SAINT  MARTHA. 

O  how  wisely  hast  thou  chosen 
For  thyself  the  better  part, 

To  be  braided  like  a  jewel 

On  thy  Saviour's  Sacred  Heart ! 


74. 

SAINT  MARTHA. 

1. 

O  dear  Saint  Martha !  busy  Saint ! 

By  love's  keen  fervor  ever  pressed  ] 
Oh  get  us  fervor  not  to  faint 

Until  we  reach  our  heavenly  rest. 

2. 

We  too,  like  thee,  since  we  have  known 
How  sweet  our  blessed  Lord  could  be, 

Mourn  o'er  the  years  too  quickly  flown, 
And  fain  would  hurry  on  like  thee. 

3. 

Alas  !  how  much  there  is  to  do, 
And  how  much  more  to  be  undone 

What  obstacles  to  struggle  through, 
Yet  what  a  glory  to  be  won ! 


SAINT  MARTHA.  257 


4. 


So,  Martha !  we  have  chosen  thee 
I'o  be  our  own  peculiar  saint ; 

We  want  thy  secret  grace, — to  be 
Always  at  work,  yet  not  to  faint. 

5. 

Saint  of  the  Busy  Hand  and  Heart ! 

We  for  thy  spirit  humbly  cry ; 
O  Martha  !  get  us  Martha's  part, — 

Not  feet  to  walk  but  wings  to  fly. 

6. 

Yet  even  love  can  hinder  love. 

As  thou  wert  hindered  on  thy  way ; 

Get  our  love  prudence  from  above. 
While  at  its  work  to  watch  and  pray. 

7. 

The  will  to  work,  the  heart  to  pray — 
Let  it  by  these  to  us  be  given, 

Swiftly,  yet  peaceably,  all  day 

To  wing  our  happy  flight  to  heaven. 

8. 

Christ  looked  with  love  into  thy  face, 
His  looks  were  spurs  to  spur  thee  on ; 

How  swiftly  didst  thou  run  thy  race. 
How  gloriously  thy  race  was  won  ! 

22* 


258  SAINT  MARTUA. 

9. 

Saint  of  our  choice  !  oiu'  Savioiir^s  eyes 
With  tenderness  beam  on  us  now ; 

For  thy  sake  He  will  stoop  to  prize 
The  love  our  lowness  can  bestow, 

10. 

Peace,  patience,  courage,  mother  dear  1 

And  uttermost  humility, 
That  safest  grace  of  holy  fear, — 

These  are  the  gifts  we  beg  of  thee.' 

11. 

O  Martha  !  make  our  hearts  like  thine,— ^ 
Always  on  fire,  always  in  haste. 

And  yet  like  peaceful  stars  to  shine 
Untroubled  o'er  life's  weary  waste. 

12. 

O  dearest  Jesus  !  in  our  need 

Give  to  us  Martha's  burning  heart ; 

They,  who  on  earth  have  Martha's  speed, 
In  heaven  shall  meet  with  Mary's  part. 


SAI2fT  BENEDICT.  259 


75. 

SAINT  BENEDICT. 

1. 

Father  of  many  children  !  in  the  gloom 
Of  the  long  past  how  beautiful  thou  art ! 

And  still,  dear  Saint !  the  weary  nations  come 
To  drink  from  out  thine  unexhausted  heart. 

2. 

There  are  sweet  waters  m  thy  fountains  still ; 

In  every  changeful  age  they  have  been  flowing ; 
While  faithful  sons  thy  destinies  fulfil 

Through   the  wide  world,   like  rivers  in  their 
going. 

3. 

Kings,  with  thy  wisdom  in  their  hearts,  dear  Saint ! 

Have  grown  more  royal  'neath  thy  Christlike  rule; 
And,  when  the  earth  with  ignorance  was  faint. 

Learning  found  shelter  in  thy  tranquil  school. 

4. 

Deserts  have  blossomed,  where  thy  feet  have  trod ; 

Thy  homes  have  been  safe  shelters  for  the  weary ; 
And  in  dark  times  the  glory  of  our  God 

Fled  to  thy  houses  to  find  sanctuary. 


260  SAINT  BENEDICT. 

5. 

O  Benedict !  thy  special  gifts  are  peace, 
Freedom  of  heart,  and  sweet  simplicity ; 

They  fail  not  with  the  ages,  but  increase. 
As  thine  own  graces  grew  of  old  in  thee. 

6. 

Give  us  great  hearts,  dear  Father  !  hearts  as  wide 
As  thine  that  was  far  wider  than  the  world, 

Hearts  by  incessant  labor  sanctified, 

Yet  with  the  peace  of  prayer  within  them  furled, 


Thou  art  the  Christian  Abraham  ;  to  thee. 
Saint  of  insatiate  love !  thy  God  hath  given 

For  thy  grand  faith  a  saintly  family. 

Countless  as  are  the  crowded  stars  in  heaven. 

8. 

Kind  Shepherd !  tend  us  with  thy  pastoral  love 
Across  the  mountains  to  our  heavenly  rest ; 

Father!  we  see  thee  beckoning  from  above; 

We  come !  we  come !  to  bless  thee,  and  be  blest ! 


SAINT  INNOCENCE.  261 

76. 

SAINT  INNOCENCE. 

FOR  THE  CHILDREN  AT  NORWOOD,  WHERE  HER 
BODY  IS  PRESERVED. 

1. 

Dear  little  Saint !  sweet  Innocence  ! 

Thy  throne  in  heaven  we  see  : 
Jesus,  thy  love,  the  Eternal  King, 

Hath  done  great  things  for  thee. 

2. 

In  clays  of  darkness  when  the  world 

Despised  onr  Saviour's  Name, 
Thy  childish  heart,  by  grace  grown  old, 

Gloried  in  such  dear  shame. 

3. 

The  Roman  children  knew  thee  well, 

Lighthearted  in  thy  play, 
Filling  the  vineyards  with  thy  songs, 

The  gayest  of  the  gay. 

4. 

They  saw  thee  at  thy  daily  tasks, 

Obedient,  gentle,  still : 
They  learned  from  thee  how  softly  love 

Its  duties  can  fulfil. 


262  SAINT  INNOCENCE. 

5. 

They  wondered  at  thy  modesty, 
Thy  soiiPs  most  sweet  defence ; 

It  made  thee  like  a  queen  to  them, 
Dear  little  Innocence ! 

6. 

And  now  thou  art  a  real  queen 
Up  in  the  land  of  heaven  : 

Jesus  to  thee  a  jewelled  crown 
And  fadeless  palm  hath  given. 

7. 

In  grand  old  Rome  thy  love  was  set 

On  our  dear  Lord  alone  : 
He  saw  the  secret  of  thy  heart, 

And  took  thee  for  His  own. 

8. 

He  loved  thee  midst  the  orange  trees 
And  flower-beds  of  thy  home, 

And  amongst  the  Sunday  worshippers 
In  the  close  catacomb. 

9. 

He  loved  to  hear  thee  sing  the  songs, 
The  Christian  songs  that  tell 

Of  the  Good  Shepherd,  and  the  sheep 
That  Shepherd  loved  so  well. 


SAINT  INNOCENCE.  263 

10. 

He  made  thee  grave,  and  all  the  while 

He  made  thee  grow  more  gay ; 
Thy  heart  grew  lighter  through  the  weight 

Of  love  that  on  it  lay. 

11. 

He  gave  thee  faith  that  made  thy  heart 

Strong  as  the  walls  of  Rome ; 
He  gave  thee  love  and  purity, 

And  then  He  called  thee  home. 

12. 

Dear  Martyr-Child  !  they  tore  thy  flesh ; 

With  fire  they  scorched  each  limb  ; 
But  games  midst  orange  gardens  seemed 

Less  sweet  than  death  for  Him. 

13. 

And  now  thou  art  with  Him,  fair  Child ! 

Nestlino^  at  His  dear  feet : 
Thou  knew'st  that  heaven  was  bright,  but  not 

That  it  was  half  so  sweet. 

14. 

Our  own  dear  Saint !  make  us  like  thee; 

Be  thou  our  kind  defence  ; 
Give  us  thy  gift  of  modesty, 

Sweet  Sister  Innocence ! 


264  SAINT  PATRICK'S  DAY 


11. 
SAINT  PATRICK'S  DAY. 

1. 

All  praise  to  Saint   Patrick  who   brought  to   our 
mountains 
The  gift  of  God's  faith,  the  sweet  light  of  His 
love ! 
All   praise   to   the   Shepherd   who  showed  us   the 
fountains 
That  rise  in  the  Heart  of  the  Saviour  above ! 
For  hundreds  of  years, 
In  smiles  and  in  tears, 
Our  saint  hath  been    with  us,  our  shield  and  our 
stay ; 

All  else  may  have  gone, 
Saint  Patrick  alone, 
He  hath  been  to  us  light  when  earth's  lights  were  all 
set, 
For  the  glories  of  faith  they  can  never  decay ; 
And  the  best  of  our  glories  is  bright  with  us  yet. 
In  the  faith  and  the  feast  of  Saint  Patrick's  Day. 

2. 

There  is  not  a  saint  in  the  bright  courts  of  heaven 
More  faithful  than  he  to  the  land  of  his  choice ; 

Oh,  well  may  the  nation  to  whom  he  was  given, 
In  the  feast  of  their  sire  and  apostle  rejoice  ! 


ST.  PATRICK'S  DAY.  265 

In  glory  above, 
True  to  his  love, 
He  keeps  the  false  faith  from  his  children  away ; 
The  dark  false  faith, 
That  is  worse  than  death, 
Oh  he  drives  it  far  off  from  the  green  sunny  shore, 
Like  the   reptiles  which  fled  from  his  curse  in 
dismay ; 
And  Erin,  when  error's  proud  triumph  is  o'er. 
Will  still  be  found  keeping  Saint  Patrick's  Day. 

3. 

Then  what  shall  we  do  for  thee,  heaven-sent  Father? 

What  shall  the  proof  of  our  loyalty  be  ? 
By  all  that  is  dear  to  our  hearts,  we  would  rather 
Be  martyred,  sweet  Saint !  than  bring  shame  upon 
thee! 

But  oh !  he  will  take 
The  promise  we  make. 
So  to  live  that  our  lives  by  God's  help  may  display 
The  light  that  he  bore 
To  Erin's  shore : 
Yes  !  Father  of  Ireland  !  no  child  wilt  thou  own, 

Whose  life  is  not  lighted  by  grace  on  its  way ; 
For  they  are  true  Irish,  Oh  yes !  they  alone. 

Whose  hearts  are  all  true  on  Saint  Patrick's  Day. 


23 


266  SAINT  WILFRID. 

78. 

SAINT  WILFRID.^ 

FOR   THE   CHILDREN   OF  SAINT   WILFRlD^S  AT 
MANCHESTER. 

1. 

Hail,  holy  Wilfrid,  hail ! 

Kindest  of  patrons,  hail ! 
"Whose  loving  help  doth  ne'er 

Thy  trusting  cliildren  fail ! 

2. 

Saint  of  the  cheerful  heart, 
Quick  step  and  beaming  eye ! 

Give  light  unto  our  lives. 
And  at  our  death  be  nigh, 

3. 

To  Mary's  lovers  thou. 

Sweet  Saint !  ha.st  shewn  the  road 
Oh  teach  us  how  to  love 

The  Mother  of  our  God. 

4. 

Give  us  thy  love  of  work. 
Thy  spirit's  manly  powers, 

And  teach  us  how  to  save 
This  Saxon  land  of  ours. 


SAINT  WILFRID.  267 

5. 

Teach  us,  clear  Saint !  to  make 

The  Church  our  only  home, 
To  love  the  faith,  the  rites. 

And  all  the  ways  of  Kome. 

6. 

Thy  life  was  one  long  voyage 

Of  unabated  ho}:>e, 
"Winning  the  truant  hearts  " 

Of  England  to  the  Pope. 

7. 

We  have  the  same  to  do, 

A  labor  hard  but  sweet; 
And  we  have  but  to  trace 

The  pathway  of  thy  feet. 

8. 

Por  England's  sake  make  us 

Humble  and  gay  and  pure ; 
For  so  the  heart  works  best. 

And  makes  the  blessing  sure. 

9. 

Ah !  we  have  need  of  thee, 

To  knit  us  all  in  one, 
The  mischief  to  undo 

Which  our  cold  hearts  have  done. 


268  SAINT  WILFRID. 


10. 


To  Ireland^s  sons  of  faith 

Hard  measures  have  we  dealt; 

One  faith  would  breed  one  heart 
In  Saxon  and  in  Celt. 

11. 

Thou  hadst  no  idle  hour ; 

Thy  gains  with  toil  were  bought ; 
Saint  Wilfrid  !  make  us  love 

Our  country  as  we  ought. 

12. 

Wilfrid  !  by  thy  sweet  name 

Our  little  ones  we  call ; 
Oh  then  on  them  and  us 

Let  thy  rich  blessing  fall, 

13. 

Lover  of  youth  !  do  thou 
Our  E  H2:lish  chililren  bless; 

Their  joyo  is  hearts'  first  love 
For  Mary's  service  press. 

14. 

Into  our  souls,  dear  Saint ! 

With  thy  blithe  courage  come, 
And  make  us  missioners 

Of  Mary  and  of  Rome ! 


SAINT  PHILIP  NEEl  2G9 


15. 


Hail,  holy  Wilfrid,  hail ! 

Saint  of  the  free  and  gay ! 
Look  how  we  follow  thee. 

And  bless  us  in  our  way ! 


79. 

SAINT  PHILIP  NERI. 

L 

Dear  Father  Philip  !  holy  Sire ! 

We  are  poor  sons  of  thine, 
Thy  last  and  least, — then  to  our  prayers 

A  father's  ear  incline. 

2. 

We  wandered  weeping  heretofore 

For  many  a  long,  long  day ; 
But  thou  hast  taught  us  how  to  mourn 

In  thy  more  tender  way ; 

3. 

To  mourn  that  God  of  all  His  sons 

So  little  loved  should  be ; 
To  mourn  that  mid  the  world's  cold  hearts 

None  were  more  cold  than  we ; 

23* 


270  SAINT  PHILIP  NERI. 

4. 

To  mourn,  and  yet  to  joy  and  love, 

With  overflowing  heart, 
And  in  thy  school  of  Christian  mirth 

To  bear  our  humble  part. 

5. 

Gay  as  the  lark  at  morning's  door, 

Singing  its  fearless  song ; 
Yet  plaintive  as  the  dove  that  mourns 

In  secret  all  day  long ; 

6. 

Busy  and  blithe  in  hidden  cell. 

Or  crowded  street  no  less, 
We  use  thy  modest  wiles  to  save 

The  world  by  cheerfulness. 

7. 

Mid  strife  and  change,  cold  hearts  and  tongues, 

How  much  we  owe  to  thee ! 
This  sunny  service !  who  could  dream 

Earth  had  such  liberty. 

8. 

Look  at  the  crowds  of  this  sweet  land, 

Dear  Father  Philip !  See 
How  shepherdless  they  wander  on, 

How  lone,  how  hopelessly  ! 


SAINT  PHILIP  NERI.  271 

9. 

Then  make  us  sods  of  thine  indeed, 

Fill  us  with  thy  true  mirth, 
Thy  strength  of  prayer,  thy  might  of  love, 

To  change  these  hearts  of  earth. 

10. 

By  thee  for  Mary's  household  hired, 

May  burning  heart  and  word 
So  preach  her,  that  her  name  may  be 

In  England  like  a  sword. 

11. 

And  oft  above  our  shrines  be  seen, 

In  humblest  garments  swathed, 
Our  God  and  King,  while  every  eye 

In  speechless  tears  is  bathed. 

12. 

May  crowds,  like  reeds  before  the  wind, 

In  utter  love  bow  down, 
In  utter  love  and  faith  before 

His  sacramental  throne; 

13. 

While  from  His  known  and  kingly  eye 

Bright  streams  of  blessing  part, 
And  rain  like  sunbeams  far  within 

The  rapt  and  trembling  heart. 


272  SAINT  PHILIP  NERL 

14. 

In  Philip's  name,  in  Philip's  way, 

To  God  and  Mary  true. 
In  this  our  own  dear  native  land 

Good  work  we  fain  would  do. 

15. 

To  this  our  own  dear  native  land 

We  welcome  thee  to-day ; 
Dread  Father  !  come  and  toil  with  us 

In  thine  own  trustful  way. 

16. 

Jesus  and  jNTary  be  the  stars 

That  shine  for  us  on  hio;h : 
God  and  Saint  Philip  I  brothers  !  be 

Our  gentle  battle  cry. 

17. 

By  haughty  word,  cold  force  of  mind. 
We  seek  not  hearts  to  rule  ; 

Hearts  win  the  hearts  they  seek !  Behold 
The  secret  of  our  school ! 

18. 

By  winning  way,  by  playful  love, 

Our  wonders  will  we  do, 
The  playfulness  of  such  as  know 

Their  faith  alone  is  true. 


SAINT  PHILIP  IN  ENGLAND.  273 

19. 

By  touch  and  tone,  by  voice  and  eye, 

By  many  a  little  wile, 
IVIay  cold  and  sin-bound  spirits  own 

In  us  our  Father's  guile ! 

20. 

Dear  Father  Philip !  give  to  us 

Thy  manners  gay  and  free, 
Thy  patient  trust,  thy  plaint  of  prayer, 

Thy  deep  simplicity. 


80. 
SAINT  PHILIP  IN  ENGLAND. 

1. 

Saint  Philip  came  from  the  sunny  South, 
From  the  streets  of  holy  Rome ; 

His  heart  was  hot  with  the  love  of  souls, 
And  England  gave  him  a  home. 

2. 

He  had  never  slept  outside  the  town 

More  than  half  his  quiet  life  ; 
But  his  heart  so  burned,  in  heaven  he  turned 

A  pilgrim,  and  man  of  strife. 


274  SAINT  PHILIP  IN  ENGLAND, 

3. 

Through  many  a  land  and  o'er  many  a  sea 
With  his  staff  and  beads  he  came  ; 

Men  saw  him  not,  but  their  hearts  grew  hot^' 
As  though  they  were  near  a  flame. 

4. 

In  France  and  Spain,  and  in  Polish  towns, 
He  phmted  his  School  of  jVIIrth, 

In  Mexico,  and  in  rich  Peru, 
Nay,  in  every  nook  of  earth. 

5. 

He  came  himself,  that  travelling  Saint! 

Felt,  if  not  lieard  or  seen ; 
It  was  not  enough  his  sons  should  be 

Like  wliat  Philip  himself  had  been. 

6. 

Dear  England  he  saw,  its  cold,  cold  hejirts; 

Quoth  he.  What  a  burning  shame 
That  hearts  so  bold  should  be  still  so  cold ; 

Good  truth  !  they  have  need  of  my  flame ! 

7. 

He  came  with  his  staff,  he  came  with  his  beads, 
You  would  know  the  old  man  bv  sitrht. 

If  he  were  not  a  saint  who  hides  his  face 
And  his  virgin  eyes  so  bright. 


SAINT  PHILIP  M  ENGLAND.  275 

8. 

Tell  me  if  ever  your  heart  of  late 

Hath  been  strangely  set  on  fire ; 
Have  you  been  hardly  patient  with  life, 

And  looked  on  death  with  desire  ? 

9. 

Hath  earth  seemed  dull,  or  your  soul  been  full 

Until  you  were  fain  to  cry  ? 
Or  have  holy  Names  burnt  you  like  flames, 

And  you  knew  not  how  or  why  ? 

10. 

Hath  sin  seemed  the  easiest  thing  in  the  world 
To  put  at  arm's  length  from  yourself? 

Hath  Mary,  sweet  Mary,  grown  precious  to  you, 
Like  a  miser's  hidden  pelf? 

11. 

If  it  so  be,  oh  listen  to  me ! 

Rejoice,  for  Saint  Philip  is  nigh ; 
At  Jesu's  Name  he  hath  lit  his  flame. 

And  you  felt  him  passing  by. 

12. 

He  is  out  on  earth  to  spread  Mary's  mirth. 

And  that  is — saving  poor  souls ; 
And  haj^py  are  those  on  whom  he  throws 

But  one  of  his  burning  coals. 


276  SAINT  PHILIP  IN  ENGLAND, 

13. 

Tills  IS  the  way  that  Saint  Philip  works ! 

He  comes  in  the  midst  of  your  cares, 
He  passes  by,  turns  back  on  the  sly. 

And  catches  you  unawares. 

14. 

Light  to  your  eyes,  and  song  to  your  ears, 

A  touch  that  pricks  like  a  dart, 
'Tis  Philip  alone  works  in  hearts  of  stone, 

And  Mary  taught  him  his  art. 

15. 

Now  down  on  your  knees,  good  neighbors,  please 

Thank  our  dear  Lady  for  this, — 
That  Philip  has  come  to  an  English  home 

With  those  winning  ways  of  his. 

16. 

Ask  him  to  stay  full  many  a  day, 

A  hard-working  saint  is  he  ! 
And  is  it  not  true  there  is  much  to  do 

In  this  land  of  liberty? 

17. 

No\v  read  me  aright,  good  people,  pray ! 

'Tis  Philip  himself  is  here; 
'Tis  Philip's  flame,  more  than  Philip's  name 

That  you  all  should  prize  so  dear. 


SAINT  PHILIP'S  PENITENTS.  277 

18. 

For  Philip's  sons  are  but  Philip's  staff, 

A  staff  that  he  wieldeth  still ; 
Good  father  he  is  to  those  sons  of  his, 

But  a  sire  with  a  right  strong  will. 

19, 

He  is  not  content  his  sons  should  be 

Like  what  their  father  had  been ; 
He  works  himself;  he  trusts  no  one  else; 

He  is  here  to-day  I  ween. 

20. 

Bid  him  God  speed,  since  the  Roman  saint 

An  Englishman  fain  would  be ; 
Long  may  he  bide  by  his  new  fireside, 

For  a  right  merry  saint  is  he  ! 


81. 

SAINT  PHILIP'S  PENITENTS. 

1. 

Sweet  Saint  Philip  !  thou  hast  won  us, 

Thouo:h  our  hearts  were  hard  as  stone : 
Sin  had  once  Avell-nigh  undone  us, 
Now  we  live  for  God  alone. 
Help  in  Mary  !  Joy  in  Jesus  ! 
Sin  and  Self  no  more  shall  please  us ; 
We  are  Philip's  gift  to  God. 
24 


278  SAINT  PHILIP'S  PENITENTS. 

2. 

Sweet  Saint  Philip  !  we  are  weeping 

Not  for  sorrow,  but  for  glee ; 
Bless  thy  converts  bravely  keeping 
To  the  bargain  made  with  thee. 
Help  in  Mary  !  Joy  in  Jesus  ! 
Sin  and  Self  no  more  shall  please  us ; 
We  are  Philip's  gift  to  God. 

3. 

Sweet  Saint  Philip  !  old  friends  want  us 

To  be  w^ith  them  as  before ; 
And  old  times,  old  haWts  haunt  us, 
Old  temptations  press  us  sore. 
Help  in  Mary  !  Joy  in  Jesus ! 
Sin  and  Self  no  more  shall  please  us ; 
We  are  Philip's  gift  to  God. 

4. 

Sweet  Saint  Philip  !  do  not  fear  us ; 

Get  us  firmness,  get  us  grace ; 
Only  thou,  dear  Saint !  be  near  us, 
We  shall  safely  run  the  race ! 
Help  in  Mary  !  Joy  in  Jesus  ! 
Sin  and  Self  no  more  shall  please  us ; 
We  are  Philip's  gift  to  God. 

5. 

Sweet  Saint  Philip  !  make  us  wary; 

Sin  and  death  are  all  around; 
Bring  us  Jesus  !  Bring  us  Mary  ! 

We  sliall  conquer  ami  be  crowned. 


SAINT  PHILIP'S  PICTURE.  279 

Help  in  Mary  !  Joy  in  Jesus  ! 
Sin  and  Self  no  more  shall  please  us , 
We  are  Philip's  gift  to  God. 

6. 

Sweet  Saint  Philip  !  keep  us  humble, 

Make  us  pure  as  thou  wert  pure ; 
Strongest  purposes  will  crumble, 
If  we  boast  and  make  too  sure. 
Help  in  ]Mary  !  Joy  in  Jesus  ! 
Sin  and  Self  no  more  shall  please  us ; 
\Ye  are  Philip's  gift  to  God. 

7. 

Sweet  Saint  Philip  !  come  and  ease  us 

Of  the  weary  load  we  bear ; 
Put  us  in  the  Heart  of  Jesus, 
Dearest  Saint,  and  leave  us  there. 
Help  in  Mary  !  Joy  in  Jesus ! 
Sin  and  Self  no  more  shall  please  us 
We  are  Philip's  gift  to  God. 


82. 

SAINT  PHILIP'S  PICTURE. 

1. 

Saint  Philip  !  I  have  never  known 

A  saint  as  I  know  thee ; 
For  none  have  made  their  wills  and  ways 

So  plain  for  men  to  see ! 


280  SAIST  PHILIP'S  PICTURE. 

I  live  with  thee ;  and  in  my  toil 

All  day  thou  hast  thy  part, 
Ax\^  then  I  come  at  night  to  learn 

Thy  picture  off  by  heart. 

2. 

Oh  wliat  a  prayer  thy  picture  is ! 

Was  Jesus  like  to  thee? 
Whence  hast  thou  caught  that  lovely  look 

That  preaches  so  to  me  ? 
Sermon  and  prayer  thy  picture  is, 

And  music  to  the  eye, 
Song  to  the  soul,  a  song  that  sings 

Of  whitest  purity ! 

3. 

A  blessing  on  thy  name,  dear  Saint 

Blessing  from  young  and  old, 
Whom  thou  in  Mary's  gallant  band 

Hast  winningly  enrolled  ! 
If  ever  there  were  poor  man's  saint, 

Tiiat  very  saint  art  thou ; 
If  ever  time  were  fit  for  thee, 

Dear  Saint !  that  time  is  now. 

4. 

Philip  !  strange  missioner  thou  art, 

Biding  so  still  at  home, 
Content  if  with  the  evening  star 

Souls  to  thy  nets  will  come. 


SAINT  PHILIP'S  PICTURE.  281 

If  ever  spell  could  make  hard  word 

Profit  and  pastime  be, 
That  spell  is  in  thy  coaxing  ways, 

That  magic  is  in  thee» 

5. 

Sweet  faced  old  Man  ;  for  so  I  dare, 

Saint  though  thou  be  on  high, 
To  name  thee,  for  thou  temptest  love 

By  thy  humility, — 
Sweet-faced  old  Man  !  what  are  thy  wiles 

With  which  thou  wiimest  men  ? 
Art  thou  all  saints  within  thyself? 

If  not,  what  art  thou  then  ? 

6. 

John's  love  of  Mary  thou  hast  got ; 

Thy  house  is  Mary's  home ; 
And  then  thou  hast  Paul's  love  of  souls, 

With  Peter's  love  of  Rome. 
Thy  heart  that  was  so  large  and  strong 

It  could  not  quiet  bide. 
Oh  was  it  not  like  His  that  beats 

Within  a  Wounded  Side ! 

7. 

Saint  of  the  over-worked  and  poor  I 

Saint  of  the  sad  and  gay ! 
Jesus  and  Mary  be  with  those 

Who  keep  to  thy  true  way  I 

24* 


282  SAINT  PHILIP'S  CHARITY. 

Oh  bless  lis,  Philip  !  Saint  most  dear! 

Thine  Oratory  bless, 
And  gain  for  those  who  seek  thee  there 

The  gift  of  holiness  ! 


83. 

SAINT  PHILIP'S  CHARITY. 
1. 

All  ye  who  love  the  ways  of  sin, 

Come  to  Saint  Philip's  feet  and  learn 
The  baits  that  Jesus  hath  to  win 
His  truant  children  to  return. 
All  praise  and  thanks  to  Jesus  be 
For  sweet  Saint  Philip's  charity ! 

2. 

That  saint  could  do  such  things  for  you 

As  your  poor  hearts  would  never  dream ; 
For  he  can  make  the  false  world  true. 
And  penance  life's  best  pleasure  seem. 
All  praise  and  thanks  to  Jesus  be 
For  sweet  Saint  Philip's  charity  I 

3. 

His  words  like  gentlest  dew  distil, 
His  face  is  calm  as  summer  eve ; 
His  look  can  tame  the  wildest  will. 
And  make  the  stoutest  heart  to  grieve. 
All  praise  and  thanks  to  Jesus  be 
For  sweet  Saint  Philip's  charity  ! 


SAINT  PIULIFS  CHARITY.  283 

4. 

He  smiles ;  and  evil  habit  fails 
To  bind  its  victim  as  before ; 
Old  sins  drop  oif  the  soul  like  scales, 

Old  wounds  are  healed  and  leave  no  sore. 
All  praise  and  thanks  to  Jesus  be 
For  sweet  Saint  Philip's  charity  ! 

5. 

His  hand,  with  virgin  fragrance  fraught, 

The  heart  with  painless  pleasure  strains, 
And  with  one  touch  all  evil  thought, 
All  worldly  longing  from  it  drains. 
All  praise  and  thanks  to  Jesus  be 
For  sweet  Saint  Philip's  charity ! 

6. 

He  breathes  on  us ;  the  spicy  gale 

Of  Araby  is  not  more  sweet ; 
He  breathes  new  life  in  hearts  that  fail, 
New  vigor  into  weary  feet. 

All  praise  and  thanks  to  Jesus  be 
For  sweet  Saint  Philip's  charity ! 

7. 

His  voice  can  raise  the  dead  to  life, 

So  wonderful  its  accents  are ; 
He  speaks, — there  is  an  end  of  strife, 
And  of  the  soul's  internal  war. 
All  praise  and  thanks  to  Jesus  be 
For  sweet  Saint  Philip's  charity ! 


284  SAINT  PHILIP  AND  THE  MIDDLE  AGES. 

8. 

Come,  sinners !  ye  need  not  forego 

Your  portion  of  light-hearted  mirth  ; 
He  came  unthought-of  roads  to  show, 
And  phmt  a  paradise  on  earth. 
All  praise  and  thanks  to  Jesus  be 
For  sweet  Saint  Philip's  charity ! 

9. 

Come,  try  the  saint :  his  words  are  true, 

Give  him  your  hearts,  he  gives  you  heaven ; 
He  sets  light  penance,  and  will  do 
The  penance  he  himself  hath  given. 
All  praise  and  thanks  to  Jesus  be 
For  sweet  Saint  Philip's  charity  I 


84. 

SAINT  PHILIP  AND  THE  MIDDLE  AGES. 

1. 

Pining  for  old  poetic  times. 

Young  hearts  have  oft  unwisely  grieved, 
As  though  there  were  no  days  like  those 

When  men  loved  less  than  they  believed. 

2. 

Yet  are  they  sure,  if  on  tliose  days 
Their  span  of  trial  had  been  cast, 

They  would  have  well,  in  penance  drear, 
The  lonjr-snstained  ordeal  passed  ? 


SAINT  PHILIP  AND  THE  MIDDLE  AGES.  285 

3. 

Teasing  hair-shirt  and  prickly  chain, 
Rude  discipline  and  bed  of  earth, — 

Would  they  have  tamed  by  these  rough  ways 
Their  love  of  ease  and  pride  of  birth  ? 

4. 

God's  poor,  God's  Church, — are  these  to-day 
Welcomed  and  nourislied  at  their  cost, 

Yea,  to  the  brink  of  poverty  ? 

If  not,  how  sounds  their  idle  boast  ? 

5. 

Ah  no  !  it  is  not  jewelled  cope. 

Brave  pomps  nor  incense-laden  air, 

Can  lull  the  pains  of  aching  hearts. 
Or  bring  the  Saviour's  pardon  there. 

6. 

Ko  !  to  be  safe,  these  outward  thmgs 

Interior  strictness  must  control ; 
To  play  with  beauty  and  with  art 

Saves  Uv..,  nor  heals,  the  wounded  soul. 

7. 

IS"©  !  dear  Saint  Philip  !  we  must  learn 
Our  wisdom  in  thy  heavenly  school. 

Love  thy  restraints,  and  wear  thy  yoke, 
And  ])ersevere  beneath  thy  rule. 


286        SAINT  FIIILIF  AM)  SAINT  MARTIN. 

8. 

Love  is  to  us,  in  these  late  days, 

What  faith  in  those  okl  times  might  be; 

He  that  hath  love  lacks  not  of  faith, 
And  hath  beside  love's  liberty. 


85. 

SAINT  PHILIP  AND  SAINT  MARTIN. 

1. 

How  gently  flow  the  silent  years, 

The  seasons  one  by  one; 
How  sweet  to  feel,  each  month  that  goes, 

That  life  must  soon  be  done ! 

2. 

O  weary  ways  of  earth  and  men ! 

O  self  more  weary  still  ! 
How  vainly  do  you  vex  the  heart 

That  none  but  God  can  fill ! 

3. 

It  is  not  weariness  of  life 

That  makes  us  wish  (o  die; 
But  we  are  drawn  by  cords  which  couie 

From  out  eternity. 


SAINT  PHILIP  AND  SAINT  MARTIN       287 

4. 

Eye  has  not  seen,  ear  has  not  heard, 

No  heart  of  man  can  tell, 
The  store  of  joys  God  has  prepared 

For  those  who  love  Him  well. 

5. 

Oh  may  those  joys  one  day  be  ours, 

Upon  that  happy  shore  ! 
And  yet  those  joys  are  not  enough — 

We  crave  for  something  more. 

6. 

The  world's  unkindness  grows  with  life, 

And  troubles  never  cease ; 
'Twere  lawful  then  to  wish  to  die, 

Simply  to  be  at  peace. 

7. 

Yes  !  peace  is  something  more  than  joy, 

Even  the  joys  above ; 
For  peace,  of  all  created  things, 

Is  likest  Him  we  love. 

8. 

But  not  for  joy,  nor  yet  for  peace. 

Dare  we  desire  to  die ; 
God's  will  on  earth  is  always  joy, 

Always  tranquillity. 


288        SAINT  PHILIP  AND  SAINT  MARTIN. 

9. 

To  die,  that  we  might  sin  no  more, 
•  Were  scarce  a  hero's  prayer ; 
And  glory  grows  as  grace  matures, 
And  patience  loves  to  bear. 

10. 

And  yet  we  long  and  long  to  die, 

We  covet  to  be  free, 
Not  for  Thy  great  rewards,  O  God ! 

Not  for  Thy  peace — but  Thee  ! 

11. 

But  call  not  this  a  selfish  love, 

A  turning  from  the  fight ; 
And  tell  us  not,  for  others'  sakes, 

To  doubt  if  this  be  right. 

12. 

If  he  were  wanted  for  his  Lord, 
Samt  Martin  prayed  to  stay : 

'Twas  well ;  and  yet  it  was  a  prayer 
Saint  Philip  would  not  pray. 

13. 

Ah,  leave  us,  then,  at  peace,  to  greet 
Each  waxing,  waning  moon. 

Whose  silver  light  seems  aye  to  say — - 
Soon,  exile  spirit !  soon  ! 


SAINT  PHILIP'S  DEA  TH.  289 


86. 

SAINT  PHILIP'S  DEATH. 

1. 

Day  set  on  Eome ;  its  golden  mom 
Had  seen  the  world's  Creator  borne 

Around  Saint  Peter's  square ; 
Trembling  and  weeping  all  the  way, 
God's  Vicar  with  his  God  that  day 

Made  pageant  brave  and  rare. 

2. 

Night  came ;  through  Eome  in  place  and  street, 
Was  hushed  the  tread  of  pilgrim's  feet ; 

The  dew  fell  soft  as  balm ; 
The  summer  moon's  unsteady  beam 
Quivered  on  Tyber^s  hurrying  stream ; 

All  buu  his  wave  was  calm. 

3. 

The  city  slept  as  though  'twere  spent 
With  love  of  that  dear  Sacrament, 

As  hearts  o'erjoyed  will  sleep ; 
The  night  was  lovely  as  a  spell  | 
Its  beautiful  repose  so  well 

Rome's  Festa  seemed  to  keep. 

25 


2)0  SAINT  PHILIPS  DEATH. 

4. 

Saint  Mary's  glistening  roofs  were  seen 
Clear  marked  in  moonlight  soft  and  keen 

Against  the  cloudless  sky  ; 
And  round  the  Vallicella  flew 
Angels  as  thick  as  stars  that  strew 

The  azure  fields  on  high. 

5. 

Oh  come  to  Father  Philip's  cell ; 

E-ome's  rank  and  youth,  they  know  it  well ; 

Come  ere  the  moment  flies  ! 
The  feast  hath  been  too  much  for  him  j 
His  heart  is  full,  his  eye  is  dim, 

And  Rome's  Apostle  dies. 

6. 

One  of  God's  mightiest  saints  is  he ; 
Mark  well  his  acts,  none  light  can  be ; 

All  are  on  God  intent ; 
^Twas  Philip's  craft ;  and  we  may  dare 
Our  father  with  his  Lord  compare 

In  wile  and  blandishment. 

7. 

The  smile,  the  jest,  the  sportive  blow 
Served  but  to  hide  the  depths  below 

Of  supernatural  power ; 
And  never  strove  he  to  control 
The  hidden  beauty  of  his  soul 

More  than  in  that  last  hour. 


SAWT  PHILIP'S  DEATH.  291 

8. 

An  old  man's  carefulness  that  day, 
With  fond  caress  and  childlike  play, 

Beyond  his  wont  was  blent ; 
Thoughtful  of  little  things,  he  gave 
Counsel  perhaps  a  shade  more  grave 

Than  common  to  the  saint. 

9. 

None  deemed  those  hours  of  talk  and  mirth 
Were  his  foreseen  farewell  to  earth ; 

'Twas  only  Philip's  way  ; 
Yet  when  he  went,  his  children  yearned 
For  the  strange  fire  unmarked  that  burned 

Within  their  hearts  that  day. 

10. 

He  gazed  on  Peter's  martyr  hill ; 
Some  glowing  vision  seemed  to  fill 

His  calmly  raptured  eye  ; 
His  ]\Iass,  half  said,  half  sung,  was  o'er 
None  had  e'er  heard  such  strains  before, 

Nor  dared  to  ask  him  why, 

11. 

Thou  art  not  yet  mid  angel  choirs ; 
Wherefore  this  burst  of  song,  these  fires 

From  harps  of  seraphs  riven? 
Thou  canst  not  wait ;  but  wilt  with  them 
Sing  as  they  sang  at  Bethlehem, 

Glory  in  Highest  Heaven. 


292  SAINT  PHILIP'S  DEATH. 

12. 

Hours  passed,  and  PliiHp's  cheerful  cell 
Heard  the  lio:ht  laugh,  the  gay  farewelj; 

'Twas  Philip  still  to  ail : 
Confessions  heard,  his  Office  said, 
The  old  man  sat  upon  his  bed, 

Waiting  the  Bridegroom's  call. 

13. 

"  How  wanes  the  night,  my  sons  ?  "  he  said : 
He  heard,  and  straight  his  reckoning  made ; 
Time's  lagging  foot  went  slow  : 
*'  Aye,  three  and  two,  and  three  and  three, 
*'  And  then  the  captive  will  be  free, 
"  At  the  sixth  hour  I  go  ! " 

14. 

Come,  O  Creator  Spirit !  come, 
Take  Thine  elect  unto  his  home, 
Thy  chosen  one,  sweet  Dove  ! 
"  Come  to  thy  rest,"  he  hears  Thee  say ; 
He  waits  not — he  hath  passed  away 
In  mortal  trance  of  love. 

15. 

When  Kome  in  deepest  slumber  slept, 
Our  father's  children  knelt  and  wept 

Around  liis  little  bed  ; 
He  raised  his  eyes,  then  let  them  fall 
With  marked  expression  upon  all ; 

He  blessed  them  and  was  dead. 


SAINT  PHILIPS  DEATH.  293 

16. 

One  half  from  earth,  one  half  from  heaven, 
Was  that  mysterious  blessing  given, 

Just  as  his  life  had  been 
One  half  in  heaven,  one  half  on  earth, 
Of  earthly  toil  and  heavenly  mirth 

A  wondrous  woven  scene. 

17. 

The  Son  of  Man,  the  Eternal  God, 
Toiling  a  pilgrim  on  earth's  road, 

Ceased  not  in  heaven  to  be ; 
That  gift  He  gave  to  thee  in  p?rt, 
Apostle  of  the  Fiery  Heart ! 

For  His  great  love  of  thee. 

18. 

O  Jesus  !  wondrous  holyday 

Rome's  children  kept ;  and  little  they 

Its  end  and  fruit  foresaw, 
When  bells  rang  out  and  cannon  roared, 
And  Rome  fell  prostrate  and  adored, 

Speechless  with  love  and  awe. 

19. 

Those  joyous  bells,  these  cannon  near. 
They  smote  this  morn  on  Philip's  ear. 

And  thrilled  him  thiough  and  through  : 
Love  fell  on  him  as  en  its  prey, 
And  stirred  and  shook  his  heart  all  day, 

As  love  alone  can  do. 

25* 


294  SAINT  PHILIP'S  DEATH 

20. 

It  was  enough ;  the  inward  strife 

Ko  more  could  last  twixt  love  and  life , 

His  heart,  it  broke  with  bliss. 
Since  Joseph  died  on  Jesu's  knee, 
Since  Mary's  spirit  was  set  free, 

Was  never  death  like  this. 

21. 

Rome's  joy  admonished  him,  that  earth 
Caught  but  poor  shadows  of  the  mirtli 

Around  the  Eternal  Throne. 
Sweet  Sacrament !  the  love  of  Thee 
Snapped  the  last  chain,  and  he  was  free; 

Faith  was  by  love  undone. 

22. 

That  joyous  peal  was  Philip's  knell, 
That  triumph  was  the  saint's  farewell 

To  his  beloved  Rome ; 
Worn  out  with  love,  he  could  not  stay 
From  his  dear  Lord  one  other  day, 

So  pined  he  for  his  home. 

23. 

IMaster  of  self,  with  placid  eye. 
As  thou<i;h  'twere  easy  work  to  die, 

Nor  need  to  fear  liis  doom, 
With  calmest  dignity,  and  slow, 
As  one  who  at  his  will  can  go 

Gently  from  room  to  room, — 


SAINT  PHILIP'S  HOME,  295 

24. 

Saint  Philip  passed  into  the  blaze 

Of  that  dread  throne  whose  light  can  daze 

The  seraph^s  glorious  ken  ; 
As  Mary  died,  so  died  her  son  ; 
Love  got  its  prey,  and  Jesus  won 

His  chosen  among  men. 

25. 

O  Jesus,  INIary,  Joseph,  bide. 

With  kind  ISaint  Raphael,  by  my  side. 

When  death  shall  come  for  me ; 
And,  Philip  !  leave  me  not  that  day, 
But  let  my  spirit  pass  away. 

Leaning,  dear  Sire,  on  thee. 


87. 

SAINT  PHILIP'S  HOME. 

Eecordare,  Virgo  Mater,  in  conspectu  Dei,  ut  loquaris  pro  nobis  bona. 

— Blissale  Romanum. 

1. 

O  Mary !   Mother  Mary  !  our  tears  are  flowing  fast. 
For  mighty  Rome,  Saint  Philip's  home,  is  desolate 

and  waste ; 
There  are  wild  beasts  in  her  palaces  far  fiercer  and 

more  bold 
Than  those  that  licked  the  martyrs'  feet  in  heathen 

days  of  old. 


296  SAINT  PHILIP'S  HOME. 

2. 

O  Maiy!    Mother  Mary!  that  dear  City  was  thine 

own, 
And  brightly  once  a  thousand  lamps  before  thine 

altars  shone ; 
At  the  corners  of  the  streets  thy  Child's  sweet  Face 

and  thine 
Charmed  evil  out  of  many  hearts,  and  darkness  out 

of  mine. 

3. 

By  Peter's  Cross  and  Paul's  sharp  sword,  dear 
Mother  Mary  !  pray ; 

By  the  dungeon  deep  where  thy  Saint  Luke  in 
weary  durance  lay. 

And  by  the  Church  thou  know'st  so  well  beside 
the  Latin  Gate, 

For  the  love  of  John,  dear  Mother !  stay  the  hap- 
less City's  fate. 

4. 

For  the  exiled  Pontiff's  sake,  our  Father  and  our 

Lord, 
O  Mother !  bid  the  angel  sheathe  his  keen  avenging 

sword  ; 
For  the  Vicar  of  thy  Son,  poor  exile  though  he  be, 
Is   busied    with    thine    honor   now   by   that   sweet 

southern  sea. 

5. 

Oh  by  the  joy  thou  hadst  in  Home,  when  every 
street  and  square 

Burned  with  the  fire  of  holy  love  that  Philip  kin- 
dled there. 


SAINT  PHILIP'S  HOME.  297 

And  by  that  throbbing  heart  of  his  which  thou  didst 

keep  at  Rome, 
Let  not  the  lawless  spoiler  waste  dear  Father  Philip's 

homel 

6. 

Oh  by  the  dread  basilicas,  the  pilgrim's   gates  to 
heaven, 

By  all  the  shrines  and  relics  God  to  Christian  Rome 
hath  given. 

By  the  countless  Ave-Maries  that  have  rung  from 
out  its  towers. 

By  Peter's  threshold,  Mother!    save  this  pilgrim- 
place  of  ours ! 

7. 

By  all  the  words  of  peace  and  power,  that  from 

Saint  Peter's  Chair 
Have  stilled  the  angry  world  so  oft,  this  glorious 

City  spare : 
By  the  lowliness  of  him  whose  gentle-hearted  sway 
A  thousand  lands  are  blessing  now,  dear  Mother 

Mary !  pray. 

8. 

By  the   pageants  bright  w^hose  golden   light   hath 

flashed  through  street  and  square, 
And  by  the  long  processions  that  have  borne  thy 

Jesus  there. 
By  the  glories   of  the  saints,  by  the   honors  that 

were  thine. 
By  all   the   worship  God  hath  got   from   many  a 

blazing  shrine, — 


298       EVENING  HYMN  AT  THE  ORATORY. 

9. 

By  all  heroic  deeds  of  saints  that  Rome  hath  ever 

seen, 
By  all  the  times  her  multitudes  have  crowned  thee 

for  their  queen, 
By  all  the  glory  God   hath   gained  from  out  that 

wondrous  place, 
O  Mary !  Mother  Mary !  pray  thy  strongest  prayer 

for  grace ! 

10. 

0  Mary  !  Mother  Mary !  thou  wilt  plead  for  Philip's 

home  ; 
riiou  wilt  turn  the  heart  of  Him  who  turned  Saint 

Peter  back  to  Pome ; 
Yes!  thou  wilt  pray  thy  prayer;  and  the  battle  will 

be  won. 
And  the  Saviour's  sinless  Mother  save  the  City  of 

her  Son. 


88. 

EVENING  HYMN  AT  THE  OPATOPY. 

1. 

Sweet  Saviour !  bless  us  ere  we  go ; 

Thy  word  into  our  minds  instil ; 
And  make  our  lukewarm  hearts  to  glow 

With  lowly  love  and  fervent  will. 
Through  life's  long  day  and  death's  dark  night, 
O  gentle  Jesus  !  be  our  light. 


EVENING  HYMN  AT  THE  ORATORY.       299 

2. 

The  day  is  done ;  its  hours  have  run  ; 

And  Thou  hast  taken  count  of  all, 
The  scanty  triumphs  grace  hath  won, 

The  broken  vow,  the  frequent  fall. 
Through  lifers  long  day  and  death's  dark  night, 
O  gentle  Jesus !  be  our  light. 

3. 

Grant  us,  dear  Lord !  from  evil  ways 

True  absolution  and  release  ; 
And  bless  us  more  than  in  past  days 

With  purity  and  inward  peace. 
Through  life's  long  day  and  death's  dark  night, 
O  gentle  Jesus !  be  our  light. 

4. 

Do  more  than  pardon ;  give  us  joy, 

Sweet  fear  and  sober  liberty, 
And  loving  hearts  without  alloy, 

That  only  long  to  be  like  Thee. 
Through  life's  long  day  and  death's  dark  night, 
O  gentle  Jesus !  be  our  light. 

5. 

Labor  is  sweet,  for  Thou  hast  toiled. 
And  care  is  light,  for  Thou  hast  cared ; 

Let  not  our  works  with  self  be  soiled, 
Nor  in  unsimple  ways  ensnared. 

Through  life's  long  day  and  death's  dark  night, 

O  gentle  Jesus  !  be  our  light. 


300  SAINT  VINCENT  OF  PA  UL. 

6. 

For  all  we  love,  the  poor,  the  sad, 

The  sinful, — unto  Thee  we  call ; 
Oh  let  Thy  mercy  make  us  glad  ; 

Thou  art  our  Jesus  and  our  All. 
Through  life's  long  day  and  death's  dark  night, 
O  gentle  Jesus  !  be  our  light. 

7. 

Sweet  Saviour  !  bless  us ;  night  is  come ; 

Mary  and  Philip  near  us  be  ! 
Good  angels  watch  about  our  home, 

And  we  are  one  day  nearer  Thee. 
Through  life's  long  day  and  death's  dark  night, 
O  gentle  Jesus !  be  our  light. 


89. 

SAINT  VINCENT  OF  PAUL. 

1. 

O  blessed  Father !  sent  by  God, 

His  mercy  to  dispense. 
Thy  hand  is  out  o'er  all  the  earth, 

Like  God's  own  providence. 

2. 

There  is  no  grief  nor  care  of  men. 
Thou  dost  not  own  for  thine, 

No  broken  heart  thou  dost  not  fill 
With  mercy's  oil  and  wine. 


SAINT  VINCENT  OF  PAUL,  301 

3. 

Thy  miracles  are  works  of  love ; 

Thy  greatest  is  to  make 
Room  in  a  day  for  toils  that  weeks 

In  other  men  would  take. 

4. 

All  cries  of  suffering  through  the  earth 

Upon  thy  mercy  call, 
As  though  thou  wert,  like  God  Himself, 

A  Father  unto  all, 

5. 

Dear  Saint !  not  in  the  wilderness 

Thy  fragrant  virtues  bloom, 
But  in  the  city's  crowded  haunts, 

The  alley's  cheerless  gloom. 

6. 

Where  hunger  hid  itself  to  die, 

Where  guilt  in  darkness  dwelt. 
Thy  pleasant  sunshine  came  by  stealth, 

Thy  hand  and  heart  were  felt. 

7. 

All  industries  of  love  wert  thou. 

So  thoughtful  yet  so  quick, — 
The  angel  of  the  shame-faced  poor. 

God's  shadow  on  the  sick. 

26 


302  SAIIiT  VINCEST  OF  FA  UL. 

8. 

Son  wert  thou  to  the  childless  old, 
The  lonesome  widow's  stay, 

The  f^ladness  of  the  orphan  groups 
Out  in  the  streets  at  play. 

9. 

Yet  not  to  towns  didst  thou  confine 
The  gifts  thy  mercy  gave, — 

The  Gospel  to  the  villager, 
His  freedom  to  the  slave. 

10. 

So  for  the  sake  of  timid  souls, 
And  love  of  winning  ways, 

Thou  didst  against  hard-hearted  schools 
Thy  gentle  protest  raise. 

11. 

For  charity  anointed  thee 

O'er  want  and  woe,  and  pain ; 

And  she  hath  crowned  thee  emperor 
Of  all  her  wide  domain. 

12. 

Vincent !  like  Mother  Mary,  thou 
Art  no  one's  patron  saint ; 

Eyes  to  the  blind,  health  to  the  sick. 
And  life  to  those  who  faint. 


SAINT  VINCENT  OF  PAUL.  303 

13. 

Of  body  and  of  soul  alike 

Thou  art  physician  wise, 
And  full  of  joy  as  if  thou  wert 

Eaphael  in  mortal  guise. 

14. 

The  poor  thou  savest  by  such  charms 

As  hardest  hearts  can  move, 
The  rich  by  teaching  them  to  do 

The  saving  works  of  love. 

15. 

Saint  of  wide-open  arms,  and  heaii; 

Capacious  as  a  sea. 
In  dead  of  night  a  thousand  lips 

Are  sweetly  blessing  thee, — 

16. 

In  orphanage,  in  hospital, 

The  sick  on  garret  bed, 
The  dying,  and  the  desolate 

Who  w^eep  beside  the  dead. 

17. 

Thou  seem'st  to  have  a  thousand  hands, 

And  in  each  hand  a  heart ; 
And  all  the  hearts  a  precious  balm 

Like  dew  from  God  impart. 


304  SAMT  VINCENT  OF  FA  UL. 

18. 

While  love  so  overwhelmed  thy  days 

With  toils  beyond  cojiipare, 
Thy  life  mid  all  thy  countless  works 

Was  one  unbroken  prayer, 

19. 

'Twas  prayer  that  multiplied  thy  hands, 
Prayer  was  thy  power  to  bless ; 

'Twas  prayer  that  made  thy  time  for  thee, 
'Twas  prayer  was  thy  success. 

20. 

So  thou  belongest  unto  all. 

And  all  belong  to  thee ; 
And  we  in  him  Thy  pity  praise, 

Most  Holy  Trinity  I 


«■»&» 


part  jfiftb. 


HYM:N^S    90-126. 


THE  SACRAMENTS,  THE  FAITH,  AND  THE 
SPIRITUAL  LIFE. 


2G* 


90. 

HOLY  COMMUNION. 

IMITATED    FROM   SAINT   ALPHONSO. 
1. 

O  happy  Flowers  !  O  happy  Flowers  ! 
How  quietly  for  hours  and  hours, 
In  dead  of  night,  in  cheerful  day, 
Close  to  my  own  dear  Lord  you  stay, 
Until  you  gently  fade  away. 
O  happy  Flowers  !  what  would  I  give 
In  your  sweet  place  all  day  to  live, 
And  then  to  die,  my  service  o'er, 
Softly  as  you  do,  at  His  door. 

2. 

O  happy  Lights  !  O  happy  Lights ! 
Watching  my  Jesus  livelong  nights. 
How  close  you  cluster  round  His  throne,' 
Dying  so  meekly  one  by  one, 
As  each  its  faithful  watch  has  done. 
Could  I  with  you  but  take  my  turn, 
And  burn  with  love  of  Him,  and  burn 
Till  love  had  wasted  me,  like  you. 
Sweet  Lights  !  what  better  could  I  do  ? 

307 


308  HOLY  COMMUNION. 

3. 

O  happy  Pyx  !  O  happy  Pyx  ! 
AVhere  Jesus  doth  Plis  dwelling  fix. 

0  little  ])alace  !  dear  and  bright, 
Where  He,  who  is  the  world's  true  light, 
Spends  all  the  day,  and  stays  all  night. 
Ah !  if  my  heart  could  only  be 

A  little  home  for  Him  like  thee, 
Such  fires  my  happy  soul  would  move, 

1  could  not  help  but  die  of  love  ! 

4. 

O  Pyx,  and  Lights,  and  Flowers !  but  I 

Through  envy  of  you  will  not  die ; 

Nay,  happy  things  !  what  will  you  do, 

Since  I  am  better  off  than  you, 

The  whole  day  long,  the  whole  night  through  ? 

For  Jesus  gives  Himself  to  me. 

So  sweetly  and  so  utterly. 

By  rights  long  since  I  should  have  died 

For  love  of  Jesus  Crucified. 

5. 

My  happy  Soul !  my  happy  Soul  ! 
How  shall  I  then  my  love  control  ? 
O  sweet  Communion  !  Feast  of  bliss  ! 
When  the  dear  Host  my  tongue  doth  kiss, 
AV^liat  happiness  is  like  to  this? 
Oh  heaven,  I  think,  must  be  alway 
Quite  like  a  First  Communion  Day, 
With  love  so  sweet  and  joy  so  strange, — ^ 
Only  that  heaven  will  never  change  ! 


THANKSGIVING  AFTER  COMMUNION.      309 


91. 

THANSGIVING  AFTER  COMMUNION. 

1. 

Jesus,  gentlest  Saviour ! 

God  of  might  and  power  I 
Thou  Thyself  art  dwelling 

In  us  at  this  hour. 

2. 

Nature  cannot  hold  Thee. 

Heaven  is  all  too  strait 
For  Thine  endless  glory, 

And  Thy  royal  state. 

3. 

Out  beyond  the  shining 

Of  the  furthest  star, 
Thou  art  ever  stretching 

Infinitely  far. 

4. 

Yet  hearts  of  children 

Hold  what  worlds  cannot, 

And  the  God  of  wonders 
Loves  the  lowly  spot. 


310      THANKSGIVING  AFTER  COMMUNION. 

5. 

As  men  to  their  gardens 
Go  to  seek  sweet  flowers, 

In  our  hearts  dear  Jesus 
Seeks  them  at  all  hours. 

6. 

Jesus,  gentlest  Saviour ! 

Thou  art  in  us  now ; 
Fill  us  full  of  goodness, 

-'111  our  hearts  overflow. 

7. 

Pray  the  prayer  within  us 
That  to  heaven  shall  rise ; 

Sing  the  song  that  angels 
Sing  above  the  skies, 

8. 

Multiply  our  graces, 

Chiefly  love  and  fear, 
And,  dear  Lord  !  the  chiefest— 

Grace  to  persevere. 

9. 

Oh,  how  can  we  thank  Thee 

For  a  gift  like  this. 
Gift  that  truly  maketh 

Heaven's  eternal  bliss  ? 


FLOWERS  FOB  THE  ALTAR,  311 


10. 


All !  when  wilt  Thou  always 
Make  our  hearts  Thy  home  ? 

We  must  wait  for  heaven, — 
Then  the  day  will  come* 

11. 

!N'ow  at  least  we'll  keep  Thee 
All  the  time  we  may ; 

But  Thy  grace  and  blessing 
We  will  keep  alway. 

12. 

When  our  hearts  Thou  leavest, 
Worthless  though  they  be^ 

Give  them  to  Thy  Mother 
To  be  kept  for  Thee, 


92. 

TlOWERS  FOR  THE  ALTAR* 

FOR  THE  SCHOOL  CHILDREN. 
1. 

Sise  !  the  sun  beyond  the  hill 
Is  dipping,  dipping  down 

Right  above  that  old  Scotch  fir, 
Just  like  a  golden  crown. 


312  FLOWERS  FOB  THE  ALTAR. 

2. 

Children  !  qiiiek,  and  come  with  me, 
Handfuls  of  cowslips  brin<»:, 

Hawthorn  bright  with  boughs  of  white, 
And  mayfiowers  from  the  spring. 

3. 

Lucy  has  fresh  shoots  of  thyme 
From  her  own  garden  plot ; 

Jacob's  lilac  has  been  stripped — 
A  gay  and  goodly  lot  1 


4. 

To  Saint  Wilfrid's  we  will  go, 
And  give  them  to  the  priest ; 

He  must  deck  our  Lady's  shrine 
To-morrow  for  the  feast. 

5. 

Poor  indeed  the  flowers  we  give, 
But  we  ourselves  are  poor ; 

Payment  for  each  gift  to  her 
Is  plentiful  and  sure. 

6. 

By  the  picture  Lucy  loves 
Hail-Maries  will  we  say. 

And  for  him  who's  far  at  sea 
Most  fervently  we'll  pray. 


FAITH  OF  OUR  FATHERS.  313 

7. 

When  I  kneel  in  that  sweet  place 

I  cannot  help  but  cry ; 
Then  she  seems  to  smile  on  me 

Doubly  through  her  bright  eye. 

8. 

Quick  !  the  cock  upon  the  spire 

Shines  with  his  gleamy  tail ; 
He's  the  last  who  sees  the  sun 

In  all  this  happy  vale. 

9. 

God  be  praised,  who  sent  the  faith 

To  these  lone  fields  of  ours. 
And  God's  Mothei,  too,  who  takes 

Our  little  tithe  of  flowers. 


93. 

FAITH  OF  OUR  FATHEES. 

1. 

Faith  of  our  Fathers  !  living  still 

In  spite  of  dungeon,  fire  and  sword : 
O  how  our  hearts  beat  high  w^ith  joy 

Whene'er  we  hear  thai  glorious  word 
Faith  of  our  Fathers !  Holy  Faith  ! 

We  will  be  true  to  thee  till  death. 

27 


314  FAITH  OF  OUR  FATHERS. 

2. 

Our  Fathers,  chained  in  prisons  dark. 

Were  still  in  heart  and  conscience  free : 
How  sweet  would  be  their  children's  fate, 

If  they,  like  them,  could  die  for  thee ! 
Faith  of  our  Fathers !  Holy  Faith ! 
We  will  be  true  to  thee  till  death. 

3. 

Faith  of  our  Fathers  !  Mary's  prayers 
Shall  win  our  country  back  to  thee ; 

And  through  the  truth  that  comes  from  God 
England  shall  then  indeed  be  free. 

Faith  of  our  Fathers  !  Holy  Faith! 

We  will  be  true  to  thee  till  death. 

4. 

Faith  of  our  Fathers  !  we  will  love 
Both  friend  and  foe  in  all  our  strife : 

And  preach  thee  too,  as  love  knows  how 
By  kindly  words  and  virtuous  life : 

Faith  of  our  Fathers  !  Holy  Faith  I 

We  will  be  true  to  thee  till  death. 


THE  SAME  HYMN  FOR  IRELAND.         315 


THE  SAME  HYMN  FOE  IRELAND. 

1. 

Faith  of  our  Fathers  !  living  still 
In  spite  of  dungeon,  fire  and  sword : 

Oh  !  Ireland's  hearts  beat  high  w.th  joy 
Whene'er  they  hear  that  glorious  word. 

Faith  of  our  Fathers  !  Holy  Faith ! 

We  will  be  true  to  thee  till  death. 

2. 

Our  Fathers,  chained  in  pr'sons  dark, 
Were  still  in  heart  and  conscience  free : 

How  sweet  would  be  their  children's  fate, 
If  they,  like  them,  could  die  for  thee. 

Faith  of  our  Fathers  !  Holy  Faith  ! 

We  will  be  true  to  thee  till  death. 

3. 

Faith  of  our  Fathers  !  Maiy's  prayers 
Shall  keep  our  country  fast  to  thee  ; 

And  through  the  truth  that  comes  from  God 
Oh  we  shall  prosper  and  be  free. 

Faith  of  our  Fathers  !  Holy  Faith  1 

We  will  be  true  to  thee  till  death. 


316  THE  SAME  HYMN  FOR  IRELAND. 

4. 

Faith  of  our  Fathers  !  we  must  love 
Both  fricud  and  foe  in  all  our  strife : 

And  preach  thee  too,  as  love  knows  how, 
By  kindly  words  and  virtuous  life. 

Faith  of  our  Fathers  !  Holy  Faith  ! 

We  will  be  true  to  thee  till  death. 

5. 

Faith  of  our  Fathers  !  guile  and  force 
To  do  thee  bitter  wrong  unite ; 

But  Erin's  saints  shall  fight  for  us, 
And  keep  undimnied  thy  blessed  light. 

Faith  of  our  Fathers  !  Holy  Faith  ! 

We  will  be  true  to  thee  till  death. 

6. 

Faith  of  our  Fathers  !  distant  shores 
Their  happy  faith  to  Ireland  owe ; 

Then  in  our  home  Oh  shall  we  not 

Break  the  dark  plots  against  thee  now? 

Faith  of  our  Fathers  !  Holy  Faith  1 

We  will  be  true  to  thee  till  death. 

7. 

Faith  of  our  Fathers  !  days  of  old 
Within  our  hearts  speak  gallantly ; 

For  ages  thou  hast  stood  by  us, 

Dear  Faith  !  and  we  will  stand  by  thee. 

Faith  of  our  Fathers  !  Holy  Faith  ! 

We  will  be  true  to  thee  till  death. 


THE  THOUGHT  OF  GOD.  317 


94. 

THE  THOUGHT  OF  GOD. 

1. 

The  thouglit  of  God,  the  thought  of  Thee, 

Who  liest  in  my  heart, 
And  yet  beyond  imagined  space 

Outstretched  and  present  art, — 

2. 

The  thought  of  Thee,  above,  below, 

Around  me  and  within, 
Is  more  to  me  than  health  and  wealth, 

Or  love  of  kith  and  kin. 

3. 

The  thought  of  God  is  like  the  tree 

Beneath  whose  shade  I  lie, 
And  watch  the  fleets  of  snowy  clouds 

Sail  o'er  the  silent  sky. 

4. 

'Tis  like  that  soft  invading  light, 

AVliich  in  all  darkness  shines. 
The  thread  that  through  life's  sombre  web 

In  golden  pattern  twines. 

27* 


318  THE  THOUGHT  OF  QOD. 

5. 

It  is  a  thought  which  ever  makes 
Life's  sweetest  smiles  from  tears, 

And  is  a  daybreak  to  our  hopes, 
A  sunset  to  our  fears. 

6. 

One  while  it  bids  the  tears  to  flow, 
Then  wipes  them  from  the  eyes, 

Most  often  fills  our  souls  with  joy, 
And  always  sanctifies. 

7. 

Within  a  thought  so  great,  our  souls 

Little  and  modest  grow, 
And,  by  its  vastness  awed,  we  learn 

The  art  of  walking  slow. 

8. 

The  wild  flower  on  the  mossy  ground 
Scarce  bends  its  pliant  form, 

When  overhead  the  autumnal  wood 
Is  thundering  like  a  storm. 

9. 

So  is  it  with  our  humble  souls 
Down  in  the  thought  of  God, 

Scarce  conscious  in  their  sober  peace 
Of  the  wild  storms  abroad. 


THE  THOUGHT  OF  GOD.  319 

10. 

To  think  of  Thee  is  almost  prayer, 

And  is  outspoken  praise ; 
And  pain  can  even  passive  thoughts 

To  actual  worship  raise. 

11. 

O  Lord  !  I  live  always  in  pain, 

My  life's  sad  undersong, 
Pain  in  itself  not  hard  to  bear, 

But  hard  to  bear  so  louij. 

12. 

Little  sometimes  weighs  more  than  much, 

When  it  has  no  relief; 
A  joyless  life  is  worse  to  bear 

Than  one  of  active  grief. 

13. 

And  yet,  O  Lord  !  a  suffering  life 

One  grand  ascent  may  dare ; 
Penance,  not  self-imposed,  can  make 

The  whole  of  life  a  prayer. 

14. 

All  murmurs  lie  inside  Thy  Will 

Which  are  to  Thee  addressed ; 
To  suffer  for  Thee  is  our  work, 

To  think  of  Thee  our  rest. 


320  THE  FEAR  OF  GOD, 


95. 

THE  FEAR  OF  GOD. 

1. 

My  fear  of  Thee,  O  Lord,  exults 

Like  life  within  my  veins, 
A  fear  which  rightly  claims  to  be 

One  of  love's  sacred  pains. 

2. 

Thy  goodness  to  Thy  saints  of  old 

An  awful  thing  appeared ; 
For  were  Thy  majesty  less  good 

Much  less  would  it  be  feared. 

3. 

There  is  no  joy  the  soul  can  meet 

Upon  life's  various  road 
Like  the  sweet  fear  that  sits  and  shrinks 

Under  the  eye  of  God. 

4. 

A  special  joy  is  in  all  love 

For  objects  we  revere ; 
Thus  joy  in  God  will  always  be 

Proportioned  to  our  fear. 


THE  FEAR  OF  GOD.  321 

5. 

Oh  I'hou  art  greatly  to  be  feared, 

Thou  art  so  prompt  to  bless  ! 
The  dread  to  miss  such  love  as  Thine 

]\Iakes  fear  but  love's  excess. 

6. 

The  fulness  of  Thy  mercy  seems 

To  fill  both  land  and  sea ; 
If  we  can  break  through  bounds  so  vast, 

How  exiled  shall  we  be  ! 

7. 

For  grace  is  fearful,  which  each  hour 

Our  path  in  life  has  crossed ; 
If  it  were  rarer,  it  might  be 

Less  easy  to  be  lost. 

8. 

But  fear  is  love,  and  love  is  fear, 

And  in  and  out  they  move; 
But  fear  is  an  in  tenser  joy 

Than  mere  unfrightened  love. 

9. 

AYhen  most  I  fear  Tliee,  Lord  !  then  most 

Familiar  I  appear ; 
And  I  am  in  my  soul  most  free, 

When  I  am  most  in  fear. 


322  THE  FEAR  OF  GOD. 

10. 

I  sliould  not  love  Thee  as  I  do, 
If  love  might  make  more  free; 

Its  very  sweetness  would  be  lost 
In  greater  liberty. 

11. 

I  feel  Thee  most  a  father,  when 

I  fancy  Thee  most  near  : 
And  Thou  comest  not  so  nio;h  in  love 

As  Thou  comest,  Lord  !  in  fear. 

12. 

They  love  Thee  little,  if  at  all, 
Who  do  not  fear  Thee  much  ; 

If  love  is  Thine  attraction.  Lord ! 
Fear  is  Thy  very  touch. 

13. 

Love  could  not  love  Thee  half  so  much 
If  it  found  Thee  not  so  near ; 

It  is  Thy  nearness,  which  makes  love 
The  perfectness  of  fear. 

14. 

We  fear  because  Thou  art  so  good, 

And  because  we  can  sin ; 
And  when  we  make  most  show  of  love. 

We  are  trembling  most  within. 


PEEVISHNESS.  323 


15. 


And,  Father  !  when  to  us  in  heaven 
Thou  shalt  Thy  Face  uuveil, 

Then  more  than  ever  will  our  souls 
Before  Thy  goodness  quail. 

16. 

Our  blessedness  will  be  to  bear 
The  sight  of  Thee  so  near, 

And  thus  eternal  love  will  be 
But  the  ecstasy  of  fear. 


96. 

PEEVISHNESS. 

1. 

O  God  !  that  I  could  be  with  Thee, 

Alone  by  some  sea-sliore, 
And  hear  Thy  soundless  voice  within, 

And  the  outward  waters  roar. 

2. 

The  cold  wet  wind  would  seem  to  wash, 
The  world  from  off  my  brow : 

And  I  should  feel  amidst  the  storm 
That  none  were  near  but  Thou. 


324  FEEVISIINESS. 

3. 

Each  wave  that  broke  upon  the  rocks 
Would  seem  to  break  on  me  : 

And  he  who  stands  an  outward  shock. 
Gains  inward  liberty. 

4. 

Upon  the  wings  of  wild  sea-birds, 
My  dark  thoughts  would  I  lay, 

And  let  them  bear  them  out  to  sea, 
In  the  tempest  far  away. 

5. 

For  life  has  grown  a  simple  weight ; 

Each  eifort  seems  a  fall ; 
And  all  things  weary  me  on  earth, 

But  good  things  most  of  all. 

6. 

And  I  am  deadly  sick  of  men, 
From  shame  and  not  from  pride ; 

My  love  of  souls,  my  joy  in  saints, 
Are  blossoms  that  have  died. 

7. 

It  seems  as  if  I  loathed  the  earth, 
And  yet  craved  not  for  heaven, 

But  for  another  nature  longed. 
Not  that  which  Thou  hast  given. 


PEEVISHNESS.  325 


8. 


For  goodness  all  ignoble  seems, 

Ungenerous  and  small, 
And  the  holy  are  so  wearisome, 

Their  very  virtues  pall. 

9. 

Alas  !  this  peevishness  with  good 

Is  want  of  love  of  God ; 
Unloving  thoughts  within  distort 

The  look  of  things  abroad. 

10. 

The  discord  is  within,  which  jars 

So  sadly  in  life's  song  : 
'Tis  we,  not  they,  who  are  in  fault, 

When  others  seem  so  wrong. 

11. 

'Tis  we  who  weigh  upon  ourselves ; 

Self  is  the  irksome  weight : 
To  those,  who  can  see  straight  themselves. 

All  things  look  always  straight. 

12. 

My  God  !  with  what  surpassing  love 

Thou  lovest  all  on  earth, 
How  good  the  least  good  is  to  Thee, 

How  much  e?ch  soul  is  worth  ! 

28 


326  PEEVISHNESS. 

13. 

I  seem  to  think  if  I  could  spend 

One  hour  alone  with  Thee, 
My  human  heart  would  come  again 

From  Thy  Divinity. 

14. 

And  yet  I  cannot  build  a  cell 

For  Thee  within  my  heart, 
And  meet  Thee,  as  Thy  chosen  do, 

Where  Thou  most  truly  art. 

15. 

The  bright  examples  round  me  seem 

My  dazzled  eyes  to  hurt ; 
Thy  beauty,  which  they  should  reflect, 

They  dwindle  and  invert. 

16. 

Therefore  I  crave  for  scenes  which  might 
My  fettered  thoughts  unbind, 

And  where  the  elements  might  be 
Like  scapegoats  to  my  mind. 

17. 

Where  all  things  round  should  loudly  tell, 
Storm,  rocks,  sea-birds,  and  sea, 

Not  of  Thy  worship,  but  much  more, 
And  only,  Lord  !  of  Thee. 


PREDESTINATION.  327 


97. 

PKEDESTINATION. 

1. 

Father  and  God !  my  endless  doom 

Is  hidden  in  Thy  Hand, 
And  I  shall  know  not  what  it  is 

Till  at  Thy  bar  I  stand. 

2. 

Thou  knowest  what  Thou  hast  decreed 
For  me  in  Thy  dread  Will ; 

I  in  my  helpless  ignorance 
Must  tremble  and  lie  still, 

3. 

All  light  is  darkness,  when  I  think 

Of  what  may  be  my  fate ; 
Yet  hearts  will  trust,  and  hope  can  teach 

Both  faith  and  love  to  wait. 

4. 

A  little  strife  of  flesh  and  soul, 

A  single  word  from  Thee, 
And  in  a  moment  I  possess 

A  fixed  eternity  : — 


328  PREDESTINA  TION. 

5. 

Fixed,  fixed,  irrevocably  fixed  ! 

Oh  at  this  silent  hour 
The  thought  of  what  is  possible 

Comes  witli  terrific  power : 

6. 

As  though  into  some  awful  depths 
Rash  hands  had  flung  a  stone, 

And  still  the  frightening  echoes  grow, 
As  it  goes  sounding  on. 

7. 

My  fears  adore  Thee,  O  my  God ! 

My  heart  is  chilled  with  awe ; 
Yet  love  from  out  that  very  chill 

Fresh  life  and  heat  can  draw. 

8. 

Thou  owest  me  no  duties,  Lord  ! 

Thy  Being  hath  no  ties; 
The  world  lies  open  to  Thy  Will, 

Its  victim  and  its  prize. 

9. 

Father  !  Thy  power  is  merciful 
To  us  poor  worms  below, 

Not  bound  by  justice,  but  because 
Thyself  hath  willed  it  so. 


PREDESTINATION.  329 

10. 

The  fallen  creature  hath  no  rights, 

No  voice  in  Thy  decrees ; 
Yet  while  Thy  glory  owns  no  claims, 

Thy  love  makes  promises. 

11. 

Thou  mayst  have  willed  that  I  should  die 
In  friendship,  Lord  !  with  Thee, 

Or  I  may  in  the  act  of  sin 
Touch  on  eternity. 

12. 

What  can  I  do  but  trust  Thee,  Lord  ! 

For  thou  art  God  alone  ? 
My  soul  is  safer  in  Thy  hands, 

Father !  than  in  my  own. 

13. 

I  worship  Thee  with  breathless  fears  •' 
Thou  wilt  do  what  Thou  wilt; 

The  worst  Thine  anger  hath  in  store 
Is  far  below  my  guilt. 

14. 

O  fearful  thought !  one  act  of  sin 

Within  itself,  contains 
The  power  of  endless  hate  of  God, 

And  everlasting  pains. 

28* 


330  THE  RIGHT  MUST  WIN. 

15. 

For  me  to  do  such  act  1  know 
How  slight  a  cliange  I  need, 

Yet  know  not  if  restraining  grace 
For  me  hath  been  decreed. 

16. 

What  can  I  do  but  trust  Thee,  Lord  ? 

That  trust  my  heart  will  cheer; 
And  love  must  learn  to  live  abashed 

Beneath  continual  fear. 

17. 

That  Thou  art  God  is  my  one  joy; 

Whate'er  Thy  Will  may  be, 
Thy  glory  will  be  magnified 

In  Thy  last  doom  of  me. 


98. 

THE  RIGHT  MUST  WIN. 

1. 

Oh  it  is  hard  to  work  for  God, 
To  rise  and  take  His  part 

Upon  this  battlefield  of  earth, 
And  not  sometimes  lose  heart ! 


THE  RIGHT  MUST  WIN.  331 

2. 

He  hides  Himself  so  wondrously, 

As  though  there  were  no  God ; 
He  is  least  seen  when  all  the  powers 

Of  ill  are  most  abroad. 

3. 

Or  He  deserts  us  at  the  hour 

The  fight  is  all  but  lost ; 
And  seems  tO  leave  us  to  ourselves 

Just  when  we  need  Him  most. 

4. 

Yes,  there  is  less  to  try  our  faith, 

In  our  mysterious  creed, 
Than  in  the  godless  look  of  earth, 

In  these  our  hours  of  need. 

5. 

Ill  masters  good ;  good  seems  to  change 

To  ill  with  greatest  ease ; 
And,  worst  of  all,  the  good  with  good 

Is  at  cross  purposes. 

6. 

The  Church,  the  Sacraments,  the  Faith, 

Their  uphill  journey  take, 
Lose  here  what  there  they  gain,  and,  if 

We  lean  upon  them,  break. 


332  THE  RIGHT  MUST  WIN. 

7. 

It  is  not  so,  but  so  it  looks ; 

And  we  lose  courage  then ; 
And  doubts  will  come  if  God  hath  kept 

His  promises  to  men. 

8. 

Ah !  God  is  other  than  we  think ; 

His  ways  are  far  above, 
Far  beyond  reason's  height,  and  reached 

Only  by  childlike  love. 

9. 

The  look,  the  fashion  of  God's  ways 
Love's  lifelong  study  are; 

She  can  be  bold,  and  guess,  and  act, 
When  reason  would  not  dare. 

10. 

She  has  a  prudence  of  her  own ; 

Her  step  is  firm  and  free ; 
Yet  there  is  cautious  science  too 

In  her  simplicity. 

11. 

Workmen  of  God !   Oh  lose  not  heart, 
But  learn  what  God  is  like ; 

And  in  the  darkest  battlefield 

Thou  shalt  know  where  to  strike. 


THE  BIGHT  MUST  WIN.  333 

12. 

Thrice  blest  is  he  to  whom  is  given 

The  instinct  that  can  tell 
That  God  is  on  the  field  when  he 

Is  most  invisible. 

13. 

Blest  too  is  he  who  can  divine 

Where  real  right  doth  lie, 
And  dares  to  take  the  side  that  seems 

Wrong  to  man\s  blindfold  eye. 

14. 

Then  learn  to  scorn  the  praise  of  men, 

And  learn  to  lose  with  God ; 
For  Jesns  won  the  world  through  shame, 

And  beckons  thee  His  road. 

15. 

God's  glory  is  a  wondrous  thing, 

Most  strange  in  all  its  ways, 
And,  of  all  things  on  earth,  least  like 

What  men  agree  to  praise. 

16.     * 

As  He  can  endless  glory  weave 

From  what  men  reckon  shame. 
In  His  own  world  He  is  content 

To  play  a  losing  game. 


334  DESIRE  OF  GOD. 

17. 

Muse  on  His  justice,  downcast  soul ! 

Muse  and  take  better  heart ; 
Back  with  thine  angel  to  tht  field, 

And  bravely  do  thy  part. 

18. 

God^s  justice  is  a  bed,  wh^re  we 
Our  anxious  hearts  may  lay, 

And,  weary  with  ourselves,  may  sleep 
Our  discontent  away. 

19. 

For  right  is  right,  since  God  is  God ; 

And  right  the  day  must  win ; 
To  doubt  would  be  disloyalty, 

To  falter  would  be  sin. 


99. 

DESIRE  OF  GOD. 

1. 

Oh  for  freedom,  for  freedom  in  worshij^ping  God, 
For  the  mountain-top  feeling  of  genei'ous  souls, 

For  the  health,  for  the  air,  of  the  hearts  deep  and 
broad, 
Where  grace  not  in  rills  but  in  cataracts  rolls  ! 


DESIRE  OF  GOD.  335 

2. 

Most  good  Is  the  brisk  wholesome  service  of  fear, 
And  the   calm   wise   obedience   of   conscience   is 
sweet ; 

And  good  are  all  worships,  all  loyalties  dear, 
All  promptitudes  fitting,  all  services  meet. 

3. 

But  none  honors  God  like  the  thirst  of  desire. 

Nor  possesses  the  heart  so  completely  with  Him ; 
For  it  burns  the  world  out  with  the  swift  ease  of  fire, 
And  fills  life  with  good  works  till  it  runs  o'er  the 
brim. 

4. 

Then  pray  for  desire,  for  love's  wistfullest  yearning, 

For  the  beautiful  pining  of  holy  desire ; 
Yes,  pray  for  a  soul  that  is  ceaselessly  burning 
With  the  soft  fragrant  flames  of  this  thrice  happy 
fire. 

5. 

For  the  heart  only  dwells,  truly   dwells   with   its 
treasure. 
And  the  languor  of  love  captive  hearts  can  un- 
fetter ; 
And  they  who  love  God  cannot  love  Him  by  mea- 
sure. 
For  their  love  is  but  hunger  to  love  Him  still 
better. 


336  DESIRE  OF  GOD. 

6. 

Who  can  iinclerstancl  Jesus  except  by  desire? 

Who  that  pines  not  with  love  knows  what  Mary 
loves  best? 
Who  can  come  near  to  God  with  a  heart  not  on  fire? 
Souls  must  tire  upon  earth  who  in  heaven  would 
rest. 

7. 

Is  it  hard  to  serve  God,  timid  soul?     Hast  thou 
found 
Gloomy  forests,  dark  glens,  mountain-tops  on  thy 
way? 
All  the  hard  would  be  easy,  all   the   tangles  un- 
wound, 
Wouldst  thou  only  desire,  as  well  as  obey. 

8. 

For  the  lack  of  desire  is  the  ill  of  all  ills ; 

Many  thousands  through   it   the   dark   pathway 
have  trod. 
The  balsam,  the  wine  of  predestinate  wills 

Is  a  jubilant  pining  and  longing  for  God. 

9. 

'Tis  a  fire  that  will  burn  what  thou  canst  not  pass 
over; 
'Tis  a  lightning  that  breaks  away  all  bars  to  love ; 
'Tis  a  sunbeam  the  secrets  of  God  to  discover ; 
'Tis  the  wing  David  prayed  for,  the  wing  of  the 
Dove. 


DESIRE  OF  GOD.  337 

10. 

I   have   seen   livino;   men — and   their  o^ood   ano^els 
know 
How  they  failed  and  fell  short  through  the  want 
of  desire : 
Souls  once  almost  saints  have  descended  so  low, 
'Twill  be  much  if  their  wings  bear  them  over  the 
fire. 

11. 

I  have  seen  dying  men  not  so  grand  in  their  dying 
As  our  love  would  have  wished, — and  through 
lack  of  desire : 
O    that   we    may    die    languishing,    burning,    and 
sighing : 
For  God's  last  grace  and  best  is  to  die  all  on  fire, 

12. 

'Tis  a  great  gift  of  God  to  live  after  our  I^ord ; 

Yet  the  old  Hebrew  times  they  were  ages  of  fire, 
When  fainting  souls  fed  on  each  dim  figured  word. 
And  God  called  men  He  loved  most — the  Men  of 
Desire. 

13. 

O  then  wish  more  for  God,  burn  more  with  desire, 
Covet  more  the  dear   sight   of  His   marvellous 
Face; 
Pray  louder,  pray  longer,  for  the  sweet  gift  of  fire 
To  come  down  on  thy  heart  with  its  whirlwinds 
of  grace. 
29 


338  SCHOOL  HYMN. 

14. 

Yes,  pine  for  thy  God,  fainting  soul !  ever  pine; 

Oh  languish  mid  all  that  life  brings  thee  of  mirth  ; 
Famished,  thirsty,  and  restless, — let  such  life  be 
thine, — 

For  what  sight  is  to  heaven,  desire  is  to  earth. 

15. 

God  loves  to  be  longed  for.  He  longs  to  be  sought, 
For  He  sought  us  Himself  with  such  longing  and 
love: 

He  died  for  desire  of  us,  marvellous  thought ! 

And  He  yearns  for  us  now  to  be  with  Him  above 


100. 

SCHOOL  HYMN. 

1. 

O  Jesus !  God  and  Man  ! 

For  love  of  children  once  a  child  ! 
O  Jesus  !  God  and  Man  ! 

We  hail  Thee  Saviour  sweet  and  mild. 

2. 

O  Jesus !  God  and  Man ! 

Make  us  poor  children  dear  to  Thee, 
And  lead  us  to  Thyself, 

To  love  Thee  for  eternity. 


SCHOOL  HYMN.  339 


3. 


O  Maiy  !  Mother  Maid  ! 

God  made  thee  Mother  of  the  poor . 
Mary  !  to  thee  we  look 

To  make  our  souls'  salvation  sure. 

4. 

O  Mary  !  Mother  dear  ! 

Thank  God,  for  us,  for  all  His  love ; 
And  pray  that  in  our  faith 

We  all  may  true  and  steadfast  prove. 

5. 

O  Jesus  !  Mary's  Son  ! 

On  Thee  for  grace  we  children  call ; 
Make  us  all  men  to  love, 

But  to  love  Thee  beyond  them  all. 

6. 

O  Jesus  !  bless  our  work, 
,     Our  sorrovv^s  soothe,  our  sins  forgive ; 
O  happy,  happy  they 

Who  in  the  Church  of  Jesus  live  1 

7. 

O  God,  most  great  and  good, 

At  work  or  play,  by  night  or  day, 

Make  us  remember  Thee, 

Who  so  rememberest  us  alway. 


340  THE  TRUE  SHEPHERD. 

101. 

THE  TRUE  SHEPHERD. 

1. 

I  was  wandering  and  weary, 

When  my  Saviour  came  unto  me  ; 
For  the  ways  of  sin  grew  dreary, 

And  the  world  had  ceased  to  woo  me ; 
And  I  thought  I  heard  Him  say, 
As  He  came  along  His  way, 

O  silly  souls  !  come  near  Me ; 
My  sheep  slvjuld  never  fear  Mt^. ; 
I  am  the  Shepherd  true. 

2. 

At  first  I  would  not  hearken. 

And  put  off  till  the  morrow ; 
But  life  began  to  darken, 

And  I  was  sick  with  sorrow; 
And  I  thought  I  heard  Him  say, 
As  He  came  along  His  way, 

O  silly  souls  !  come  near  Me ; 
My  sheep  should  never  fear  Me; 
I  am  the  Shepherd  true. 

3. 

At  last  I  stopped  to  listen. 

His  voice  could  not  deceive  me; 

I  saw  His  kind  eyes  glisten, 
So  anxious  to  relieve  me : 


THE  TRUE  SHEPHERD.  S41 

And  I  thought  I  heard  Him  say, 
As  He  came  along  His  way, 

O  silly  souls  !  come  near  Me ; 

My  sheep  should  never  fear  Me ; 
I  am  the  Shepherd  true. 

4. 
He  took  me  on  His  shoulder, 
.  And  tenderly  He  kissed  me ; 
He  bade  my  love  be  bolder, 

And  said  how  He  had  missed  me ; 
And  I'm  sure  I  heard  Him  say, 
As  He  went  along  His  way, 

O  silly  souls  !  come  near  Me; 
My  sheep  should  never  fear  Me ; 
I  am  the  Shepherd  true. 

5. 

Strange  gladness  seemed  to  move  Him, 

Whenever  I  did  better  ; 
And  He  coaxed  me  so  to  love  Him, 

As  if  He  was  my  debtor ; 
And  I  always  heard  Him  say, 
As  He  went  along  His  way, 

O  silly  souls  !  come  near  Me ; 
My  sheep  should  never  fear  me ; 
I  am  the  Shepherd  true. 

6. 
I  thought  His  love  would  weaken, 

As  more  and  more  He  knew  me ; 
But  it  burneth  like  a  beacon, 

And  itF  light  and  heat  go  through  me ; 

29* 


342  COME  TO  JESUS. 

And  I  ever  hoar  HIiii  say, 
As  He  goes  along  His  way, 

O  silly  souls  !  come  near  Me ; 

My  sheep  should  never  fear  Me; 
I  am  the  Shepherd  true. 

7. 
Let  us  do  then,  dearest  brothers  ! 

What  will  best  and  longest  please  us, 
Follow  not  the  ways  of  others, 
But  trust  ourselves  to  Jesus ; 
We  shall  ever  hear  Him  say. 
As  He  goes  along  His  way, 

O  silly  souls!  come  near  Me; 
My  sheep  should  never  fear  Me ; 
I  am  the  Shepherd  true. 


102. 

COME  TO  JESUS. 

1. 

Souls  of  men  !  why  will  ye  scatter 
Like  a  crowd  of  frightened  sheep  ? 

Foolish  hearts  !  why  will  ye  wander 
From  a  love  so  true  and  deep  ? 

2. 
Was  there  ever  kindest  shepherd 

Half  so  gentle,  half  so  sweet 
As  the  Saviour  who  would  have  us 

Come  and  wither  round  His  Feet  ? 


COME  TO  JESUS.  34 


3. 


o 


It  is  God  :  His  love  looks  mighty, 
But  is  mightier  than  it  seems  : 

Tis  our  Father  :  and  His  fondness 
Goes  far  out  beyond  our  dreams. 

4. 

There^s  a  wideness  in  God's  mercy, 
Like  the  wideness  of  the  sea  : 

There's  a  kindness  in  His  justice, 
Which  is  more  than  liberty. 

5. 

There  is  no  place  where  earth's  sorrows 
Are  more  felt  than  up  in  heaven ; 

There  is  no  place  where  earth's  failings 
Have  such  kindly  judgment  given. 

6. 

There  is  welcome  for  the  sinner, 
And  more  graces  for  the  good ; 

There  is  mercy  with  the  Saviour ; 
There  is  healing  in  His  Blood. 

7. 

There  is  grace  enough  for  thousands 
Of  new  worlds  as  great  as  this ; 

There  is  room  for  fresh  creations 
In  that  upper  home  of  bliss. 


344  COME  TO  JESUS. 

8. 

For  tlie  love  of  God  is  broader 
Than  tlie  measures  of  man's  mind, 

And  the  Heart  of  the  Eternal 
Is  most  wonderfully  kind. 

9. 

But  we  make  His  love  too  narrow 
By  the  false  limits  of  our  own ; 

And  we  magnify  His  strictness 
With  a  ze^l  He  will  not  own. 

10. 

There  is  plentiful  redemption 

In  the  Blood  that  has  been  shed ; 

There  is  joy  for  all  the  members 
In  the  sorrows  of  the  Head. 

11. 

'Tis  not  all  we  owe  to  Jesus; 

It  is  something  more  than  all ; 
Greater  good  because  of  evil, 

Larger  mercy  through  the  fall. 

12. 

Pining  Souls !  come  nearer  Jesus, 
And  oh  come  not  doubting  thus, 

But  with  faith  that  trusts  more  bravely 
His  huge  tenderness  for  us. 


INVITATION  TO  THE  3IISSI0N.  315 

13. 

If  our  love  were  but  more  simple, 
We  should  take  Him  at  His  word ; 

And  our  lives  would  be  all  sunshine 
In  the  sweetness  of  our  Lord. 


103. 
INVITATION  TO  THE  MISSION. 

1. 

O  come  to  the  merciful  Saviour  who  calls  you, 

Oh  come  to  the  Lord  who  forgives  and  forgets ; 
Thoucrh  dark  be  the  fortune  on  earth  that  befals 

There's  a  bright  home  above  where  the  sun  never 

sets. 

2. 

Oh  come  then  to  Jesus,  whose  arms  are  extended 
To  fold  His  dear  children  in  closest  embrace ; 

Oh  come,  for  your  exile  will  shortly  be  ended. 
And  Jesus  will  show  you  His  beautiful  Face. 

3. 

Ye  sons  of  dear  England,  your  Saviour  is  calling 

You  back  to  His  Fold  and  your  forefathers'  faith ; 
A.h  love  Him,  then,  Jove  Him ;  for  the  dark  night 
is  falling, 
And  the  light  of  His  love  shaH  be  with  you  in 
death. 


346  INVITATION  TO  THE  MISSION, 

4. 

Yes,   come   to    the    Saviour,   whose    mercy   grows 

brighter 

The  longer  you  look  at  the  depths  of  His  love  ; 

And   fear   not !    'tis   Jesus,   and   life's   cares   grow 

lighter. 

As  you  think  of  the  home  and  the  glory  above. 

5. 

Have  you  sinned  as  none  else  in  the  world  have 
before  you  ? 
Are  you  blacker  than  all  other  creatures  in  guilt  ? 
Oh  fear  not,  and  doubt  not !  the  mother  who  bore 
you 
Loves  you  less  than  the  Saviour  whose  Blood  you 
have  spilt. 

6. 

"O   come   then   to  Jesus,   and   say   how  you    love 
Plim, 
And   vow   at    His   feet  you   will   keep   in  His 
grace ; 
For  one  tear  that   is  shed  by  a  sinner  can  move 
Him, 
And   your    sins    will    drop   off    in   His   tender 
embrace. 

7. 

Come,  come  to  His  feet  and  lay  open  your  story 
Of  suffering  and  sorrow,  of  guilt  and  of  shame ; 

For  the  pardon  of  sin  is  the  crown  of  His  glory. 
And  the  joy  of  our  Lord  to  be  true  to  His  Name. 


THE  SAME  HYMN  FOR  IRELAND.  347 

8. 

Come  quickly  to  Jesus  for  graces  and  pardons, 

Come  now,  for  who  needs  not  His  mercy  and  love? 

Believe  me,  dear  children,  that  England's  fair  gar- 
dens 
Are  dull  to  the  bright  land  that  waits  you  above. 

THE  SAME  HYMN  FOR  IRELAND. 

1. 

Oh  come  to  the  merciful  Saviour  who  calls  you, 

Oh  come  to  the  Lord  who  forgives  and  forgets ; 
Though  dark  be  the  fortune  on  earth  that  befals 
you, 
There's  a  bright  home  above  where  the  sun  never 
sets. 

2. 

Oh  come  then  to  Jesus,  whose  arms  are  extended 
To  fold  His  dear  children  in  closest  embrace ; 

Oh  come,  for  your  exile  will  shortly  be  ended. 
And  Jesus  will  show  you  His  beautiful  Face. 

3. 

Ye  sons  of  Saint  Patrick  !  dear  children  of  Erin ! 

'Tis  God  that  hath  kept  you  your  wonderful  faith ! 
Ah  love  Him  then,  love  Him  ;  for  the  dark  night  is 
nearing. 
And  the  light  of  His  love  shall  be  with  you  in 
death. 


348  THE  SAME  HYMN  FOR  IRELAND. 

4. 

Yes,   come   to   the   Saviour,   Avliose    irercy    grows 

brighter 

The  longer  you  look  at  the  depth  of  His  love ; 

And   fear   not !   ^tis    Jesus,   and   life's   cares   grow 

lighter, 

As  you  think  of  the  home  and  the  glory  above. 

5. 

Have  you  sinned  as  none  else  in  the  world  have  be- 
fore you  ? 
Are  you  blanker  than  all  other  creatures  in  guilt  ? 
Oh  fear  not,  and  doubt  not !  the  mother  who  bore 
you 
Loves  you  less  than  the  Saviour  wlose  Blood  you 
have  spilt. 

6. 

Oh    come   then   to   Jesus,   and  say  how  you   love 
Him, 
And  vow  at  His  feet  you  will  keep  in  His  grace ; 
For  one  tear  that  is   shed    by  a  sinner   can  move 
Him, 
And  your  sins  will  drop  olf  in  His  tender  em- 
brace. 

7. 

Come,  come  to  His  feet,  and  lay  open  your  story 
Of  suffering  and  sorrow,  of  guilt  and  of  shame; 

For  the  pardon  of  sin  is  the  crown  of  His  glory. 
And   the   joy   of   our  Lord  to   be   true   to   His 
Name. 


THE  WAGES  OF  SIN.  349 

8. 

Come  quickly  to  Jesus,  and  drink  of  His  fountains, 
Come  now,  for  who    needs  not    His   mercy   and 
love? 
Bolieve  me,  dear  children,  that  Erin's  green  moun- 
tains 
Are  dull  to  the  bright  land  that  waits  you  above. 


104. 

THE  WAGES  OF  SIN. 

1. 

O  what  are  the  wages  of  sin, 

The  end  of  the  race  we  have  run  ? 

\Iq  have  slaved  for  the  master  we  chose, 
And  what  is  the  prize  W(i  have  won  ? 

2. 

\Ye  gave  away  all  things  for  him, 

And  in  truth  it  was  much  that  was  given,- 

The  love  of  the  angels  and  saints, 

And  the  chance  of  our  getting  to  heaven. 

3. 

We  gave  away  Jesus  and  God, 
We  gave  away  Mary  and  grace. 

Prayer  and  Confession  and  Mass ; 
And  now  we  have  finished  the  race. 
30 


350  THE  WAGES  OF  SIN. 

4. 

We  are  worn  out  and  weary  with  sin ; 

Its  ])leasures  are  poor  at  the  best ; 
For  what  we  remember,  not  worth 

Hall  an  hour  ol  a  conscience  at  rest. 

5. 

For  sin  in  the  hand  is  not  like 

The  bright  thing  it  looked  to  the  eye; 

Its  taste  is  still  worse  than  its  touch  ; 
Yet  we  swallow  the  poison  and  die. 

6. 

Oh  fools  that  we  were  !  can  we  now 
Break  ofi  the  bad  bargain  we  made  ? 

And  is  there  a  way  to  get  back 

The  rash  price  we  already  have  paid  ? 

7. 

Oh  yes !  we  have  got  but  to  send 
One  word  or  one  sigh  up  to  heaven  ! 

The  mischief  will  all  be  undone, 

And  the  past  be  completely  forgiven. 

8. 

Jesus  is  just  what  He  was. 

On  the  Cross,  as  we  lefl  Him  before, 
AH  gentleness,  mercy,  and  love, 

Nay,  His  love  and  His  merc^  look  more. 


A  GOOD  CONFESSION.  351 

9. 

We  will  back  with  our  hearts  in  our  hands, 
For  the  heart  is  His  one  only  fee : 

Forgive  up,  dear  Jesus,  forgive, 

All  we  want  is  foro-iveness  from  Thee. 


105. 

A  GOOD  CONFESSION 

1. 

The  chains  that  have  bound   me  are  flung  to  the 
wind. 
By  the  mercy   of    God  the  poor    slave  is  set 
free; 
And  the  strojg  grace  of  heaven  breathes  fresh  o'er 
the  mind. 
Like  the  bright  winds  of  summer  that  gladden 
the  sea. 

2. 

There  was  nought  in  God's  world  half  so  dark  or  so 
vile 
As  the   sin   and   the   bondage   that  fettered  my 
soul; 
There  was  nought  half  so  base  as  the  malice  and 
guile 
Of  my  own  sordid  passions,  or  Satan's  control. 


352  A  GOOD  CONFESSION. 

3. 

For  years  I  have  borne  about  hell  in  my  breast ; 
When  I  thought  of  my  God  it  was  nothing  but 
gloom ; 
Day  brought  me  no  pleasure,   night  gave   me  no 
rest, 
There   was   still   the   grim   shadow   of    horrible 
doom. 

4. 

It  seemed  as  if  nothing  less  likely  could  be 

Than  that  light  should  break  in  on  a  dungeon  so 
deep ; 

To  create  a  new  world  were  less  hard  than  to  free 
The  slave  from  his  bondage,  the  soul   from   its 

sleep. 

5. 

But  the  word  had  gone  forth,  and  said,  Let  there  be 
light, 
And  it  flashed  through  my  soul  like  a  sharp  pass- 
ing smart ; 
One  look  to  my  Saviour,  and  all  the  dark  night. 
Like  a  dream  scarce  remembered,  was  gone  from 
my  heart. 

6. 

I  cried  out  for  mercy,  and  fell  on  my  knees. 

And  confessed,  while  my  heart  with  keen  sorrow 
was  wrung ; 
*Twas  the  labor  of  minutes,  and  years  of  disease 
Fell  as  fast  from  my  soul  as  the  words  from  my 
tongue. 


THE  ACT  OF  CONTRITION.  353 

7. 

And  now,  blest  be  God  and  the  sweet  Lord  who  died  ! 

No  deer  on  the  mountain,  no  bird  in  the  sky, 
No  bright  wave  that  leaps  on  the  dark  bounding  tide, 

Is  a  creature  so  free  or  so  happy  as  I. 

8. 

All  hail,  then,  all  hail,  to  the  dear  Precious  Blood, 
That  hath  worked  these  sweet  wonders  of  mercy 
in  me; 
May  each  day  countless  numbers  throng  down  to  its 
flood, 
And  God  have  His  glory,  and  sinners  go  free. 


106. 

THE  ACT  OF  CONTRITION. 

1. 

My  God !  who  art  nothing  but  mercy  and  kindness. 
Ah  shut  not  Thine  ear  to  the  penitent's  prayer ; 

'Tis  Thy  grace  that  hath  cured  me,  dear  Lord,  of  my 
blindness, 
Thy  love  that  hath  lifted  me  up  from  despair, 

2. 

Oh  cruel,  most  cruel !  the  bondage  of  evil 

That  hath  kept  me  so  fast,  and  hath  held  me  so 
low; 
And  fearful  the  hold,  the  strong  hold  of  the  devil, 
And  the  keen  bitter  fires  of  the  long  hopeless  woe. 
30* 


354  THE  ACT  OF  CONTRITION. 

3. 

But,  O  God !  by  Thy  mercy  my  mind  is  enlight- 
ened ; 
I  feel  a  new  purpose  burn  strong  in  my  heart ; 
I  come  to  Thee  now  like  a  child  scared  and  fright- 
ened, 
And  I  cling  to  thy  love,  and  will  never  depart. 

4. 

There  is  not  one  evil  that  sin  hath  not  brought  me, 
There  is   not  one   good   that   hath   come   in   its 
train ; 
It  hath  cursed  me  through  life,  and  its  sorrows  have 
sought  me, 
Each  day  that  went  by,  in  want,  sickness,  or  pain. 

5. 

And  then,  when  this  life  of  affliction  is  ended, 

What  a  home  for  my  weary  heart  did  it  prepare  ? 

The  anger  of  Him  whom  my  sins  had  offended. 
And  the  night,  the  sick  night  of  eternal  despair. 

6. 

Yes !  death  would  have  come,  and  its  angel  have 
torn  me 
By  force  to  the  judgm^  nt  where  hope  could  not 
be; 
A.pd  the  spirit  of  darkness  from  thence  would  have 
borne  me 
To  unspeakable  woes  in  his  wide  burning  sea. 


THE  ACT  OF  CO.\TIlJTION.  355 

7. 

Where  the  worms  and  the  wails  and  the  lashes  cease 
never, 
My  poor   ruined   soul   would   have   sickened  of 
fire, 
And  I  should  be  tortured  for  ever  and  ever. 
But  the  pains  of  eternity  never  would  tire. 

8. 

The  corn-field  all  trampled  to  mud  by  the  cattle. 
The  house  whose  scorched  walls  have  been  black- 
ened by  fire, — 

Ah  !  such  was  my  soul  when  the  desolate  battle 
Of  sin  raged  within  it,  and  sinful  desire. 

9. 

But  away,  mortal  sin  !  by  the  help  of  my  God, 
From  thy  false  poisoned  fruits  I  will  firmly  re- 
frain ; 

I  have  vowed,  mortal  sin  !  I  have  manfully  vowed, 
I  will  touch  thee  not,  taste  thee  not  ever  again. 

10. 

I   abjure  the  dark   spirit    who   fondles  yet   hates 
me, 
I   abjure    mortal    sin,   the   black   gift    he    hath 
given ; 
I  hate  it  for  fear  of  the  fire  that  awaits  me, 
I  hate  it  for  hope  of  God's  beautiful  heaven. 


356  CONVERSION. 

11. 

I  hate  it  because  the  dear  Lord  that  would  ease  us 
Sweated  blood  ^^'hen  He  thought  of  the  horror  of 
siu; 
I  hate  it  because  it  hath  crucified  Jesus, 

Who  hath  done  all  He  can  the  worst  sinners  to 
win. 

12. 

And  I  swear  to  Thee — yes,  dearest  Jesus !  Oh  let  me, 
In  the  strength  of  Thy  grace,  swear  an.  oath  unto 
Thee, 

No  sin  !  never  more  !  if  Thou  wilt  not  forget  me, 
But  in  Thy  sweet  mercy  have  mercy  on  me. 


107. 

CONVERSION. 

1. 

O  Faith  !  thou  workest  miracles 

Upon  the  hearts  of  men. 
Choosing  thy  home  in  those  same  hearts 

We  know  not  how  nor  when. 

2. 

To  one  thy  grave  unearthly  truths 

A  heavenly  vision  seem ; 
While  to  another's  eye  they  are 

A  superstitious  dream. 


CONVERSION.  357 


3. 


To  one  the  deepest  doctiines  look 

So  naturally  true, 
That  when  he  learns  the  lesson  first 

He  hardly  thinks  it  new. 

4. 

To  other  hearts  the  selfsame  truths 

No  light  or  heat  can  bring ; 
They  are  but  puzzling  phrases  strung 

Like  beads  upon  a  string. 

5. 

O  gift  of  gifts  !  O  grace  of  Faith ! 

My  God  !  how  can  it  be 
That  Thou,  who  hast  discerning  love, 

Shouldst  give  that  gift  to  n\e  ? 

6. 

There  was  a  place,  there  was  a  time, 

Whether  by  night  or  day, 
Thy  Spirit  came  and  left  that  gift, 

And  went  upon  His  way. 

7. 

How  many  hearts  Thou  mightst  have  had 

More  innocent  than  mine, 
How  many  souls  more  worthy  far 

Of  that  sweet  touch  of  Thine ! 


358  CONVERSION. 

8. 

Ah  grace  !  into  unllkeliest  hearts 

It  is  thy  boast  to  come, 
The  glory  of  thy  liglit  to  find 

In  darkest  spots  a  home. 

9. 

How  can  they  live,  how  will  they  die, 
How  bear  the  cross  of  grief, 

Who  have  not  got  the  light  of  faith, 
The  courage  of  belief? 

10. 

The  crowd  of  cares,  the  weightiest  cross, 
Seem  trifles  less  than  light ; 

Earth  looks  so  little  and  so  low. 
When  faith  shines  full  and  bright. 

11. 

Oh  happy,  happy  that  I  am ! 

If  thou  canst  be,  O  Faith. 
The  treasure  that  thou  art  in  life, 

What  wilt  thou  be  in  death  ? 

12. 

Thy  choice,  O  God  of  goodness  !  then 

I  lovingly  adore; 
O  give  me  grace  to  keep  Thy  grace, 

And  grace  to  merit  more. 


THE  WOEK  OF  GRACE,  359 


108. 

THE  WORK  OF  GRACE. 

1. 

How  the  light  of  heaven  is  stealing, 

Gently  o'er  the  trembling  soul ; 
And  the  shades  of  bitter  feeling 
From  the  lightened  spirit  roll. 
Sweetly  stealing,  sweetly  stealing, 
See  how  grace  its  way  is  feeling ! 

2. 

Fairer  than  the  pearly  morning 

Comes  the  softly  struggling  ray : 
Ah,  it  is  the  very  dawning 
That  precedes  eternal  day. 

Sweetly  stealing,  sweetly  stealing. 
See  how  grace  its  way  is  feeling ! 

3. 

See  the  tears,  the  blessed  trouble, 

Doubts  and  fears,  and  hopes  and  smiles ! 
How  the  guilt  of  sin  seems  double, 
And  how  plain  are  Satan's  wiles ! 
Sweetly  stealing,  sweetly  stealing. 
See  how  grace  its  way  is  feeling ! 


»60  THE  WORK  OF  GRACE. 

4. 

Now  the  light  is  growing  brighter, 

Fear  of  hell,  and  hate  of  sin  ; 
Another  flash !  the  heart  is  lighter  ; 
Love  of  God  hath  entered  in. 
Sweetly  stealing,  sweetly  stealing, 
See  how  grace  its  w^ay  is  feeling ! 

5. 

Now  upon  the  favorite  |mssion 
Falls  a  steady  ray  of  grace ; 
And  the  lights  of  world  and  fashion 
In  the  new  light  fade  apace. 

Sweetly  steah'ng,  sweetly  stealing. 
See  how  grace  its  way  is  feeling ! 

6. 

What  was  sweet  hath  now  grown  bitter, 

What  was  bitter  passing  sweet ; 
Even  penance  now  seems  fitter 
Than  the  poor  world's  idle  treat. 
Sweetly  stealing,  sweetly  stealing, 
See  how  grace  its  way  is  feeling  ! 

7. 

See  !  more  light !  the  spirit  tingles 

With  contrition's  piercing  dart ; — 
More, — and  love  divinely  mingles 
Ease  and  gladness  with  the  smart. 
Sweetly  stealing,  sweetly  stealing. 
See  how  grace  its  way  is  feeling ! 


FORGIVENESS  OF  INJURIES.  361 

8. 

Free  !  free !  the  joyous  light  of  heaven 

Comes  with  fall  and  fair  release ; — 
O  God,  what  light !  all  sin  forgiven, 
Jesus,  ^lary,  love,  and  peace. 

Sweetly  stealing,  sweetly  stealing, 
See  how  grace  its  way  is  feeling  ! 


109. 

FORGIVENESS  OF  INJURIES. 

1. 

Oh  do  you  hear  that  voice  from  heaven, — 

Forgive,  and  you  shall  be  forgiven  ? 

No  angel  hath  a  voice  like  this ; 

Not  even  Mary's  song  of  bliss 

From  off  her  throne  can  waft  to  earth 

A  promise  of  such  priceless  worth. 

2. 

Again  the  music  comes  from  heaven, — 
Forgive,  and  you  shall  be  forgiven. 
Softly  on  every  wind  that  blows 
Through  the  wide  earth  the  promise  goes, 
Absolving  sin  and  opening  heaven. 
For  we  forgive  and  are  forgiven. 
31 


3G2  FORGIVENESS  OF  INJURIES. 

3. 

Yes,  we,  dear  Lord  !  Thy  voice  can  tell ; 
That  gentle  voice  we  know  it  well ; 
Yet  never  was  it  sweet  and  clear 
As  now  when  we  this  promise  hear, — 
Poor  souls  !  who  sadly  doul^t  of  heaven, 
Forgive,  and  you  shall  be  forgiven. 

4. 

Sweet  Faith  !  and  can  this  pledge  be  true? 
And  is  the  duty  hard  to  do  ? 
No  one,  dear  Lord  !  hath  done  to  me 
Such  wrong  as  I  have  done  to  Thee. 
Why  should  not  all  men  go  to  heaven  ? 
They  who  forgive  will  be  forgiven. 

5. 

Thine  offers,  earth  !  to  this  are  dull, — 

Full  mercy  to  the  merciful : — 

O  joy  to  every  soul  that  lives ! 

Such  beautiful  bright  words  He  gives. 

Whose  royal  promise  cheapens  heaven, — 

Forgive,  and  you  shall  be  forgiven. 

6. 

Then  listen  to  us,  Jesus,  Lord  ! 

See  how  we  take  Thee  at  Thy  word : 

Oh  as  we  hope  with  Thee  to  live, 

So  from  our  hearts  do  we  forgive ; 

And  from  this  hour  we  do  not  know 

The  thought,  the  thing  men  mean  by  foe. 


THE  WORLD.  363 


7. 


Yes  !  saved  and  saints  we  all  will  be ; 
All  of  us,  Lord  !  will  come  to  Thee ; 
Dear  heaven  !  the  work  for  thee  is  done, — 
How  easily,  how  sweetly  won  ! 
Yes  !  thou  art  ours,  eternal  heaven  ! 
For  we  forgave,  and  are  forgiven. 


no. 

THE  WOELD. 
1. 


O  Jesus  !  if  in  days  gone  by 

INIy  heart  hath  loved  the  world  too  well, 
It  needs  more  love  for  love  of  Thee 

To  bid  this  cherished  world  farewell. 


2. 


And  yet  I  can  rejoice  there  are 
So  many  things  on  earth  to  love. 

So  many  idols  for  the  fire, 

ISIy  love  and  loyal  change  to  prove. 


3. 


He  that  loves  most  hath  most  to  lose. 
And  willing  loss  is  love's  best  prize ; 

The  more  that  Yesterday  hath  loved 
The  more  To-day  can  sacrifice. 


364  THE  WORLD. 


4. 


O  Earth  !  thou  art  too  beautiful, 

And  thou,  dear  Home !  thou  art  too  sweet, 
The  winning  ways  of  flesh  and  blood 

Too  sraooth  for  sinjiers'  pilgrim  feet. 

5. 

The  woods  and  flowers,  and  running  streams, 
The  sunshine  of  the  common  skies. 

The  round  of  household  peace — what  heiirt 
But  owns  the  might  of  these  dear  ties  ? 

6. 

The  sweetness  of  known  faces  is 
A  couch  where  weary  souls  repose ; 

Known  voices  are  as  David's  harp 
Bewitching  Saul's  oppressive  woes. 

7. 

And  yet,  bright  World  !  thou  art  not  wise ; 

Oh  no  !  enchantress  though  thou  art, 
Thou  art  not  skilful  in  thy  way 

Of  dealing  with  a  wearied  heart. 

8. 

If  thou  hadst  kept  thy  faith  with  me, 
I  might  have  been  thy  servant  still ; 

But  slighted  love  and  broken  faith. 

Poor  world !  these  are  beyond  thy  skill. 


THE  WORLD.  .  365 

9. 

Oh  bless  thee,  bless  thee,  treacherous  world ! 

That  thou  dost  play  so  false  a  part, 
And  drive,  like  sheep  into  the  fold, 

Our  loves  into  our  Saviour's  Heart. 

10. 

This  have  I  leaned  upon,  sweet  Lord  ! 

This  world  hath  had  Thy  rightful  place ; 
But  come,  dear  jealous  King  of  love ! 

Come,  and  begin  Thy  reign  of  grace. 

11. 

Banish  far  from  me  all  I  love. 

The  smiles  of  friends,  the  old  fireside, 

And  drive  me  to  that  home  of  homes, 
The  Heart  of  Jesus  Crucified. 

12. 

Take  all  the  light  away  from  earth, 
Take  all  that  men  can  love  from  me; 

Let  all  I  lean  upon  give  way. 

That  I  may  lean  on  nought  but  Thee. 


31* 


366  THE  END  OJt  MAN. 


111. 

THE  END  OF  MAN. 

1. 

I  come  to  Thee,  once  more,  my  God  ! 

No  longer  will  I  roam ; 
For  I  have  sought  the  wide  world  through, 

And  never  found  a  home. 

2. 

Though  bright  and  many  are  the  spots 

Where  I  have  built  a  nest, 
Yet  in  the  brightest  still  I  pined 

For  more  abiding  rest. 

3. 

E-iches  could  bring  me  joy  and  power, 

And  they  were  fair  to  see ; 
Yet  gold  was  but  a  sorry  god 

To  serve  instead  of  Thee. 

4. 

Then  honor  and  the  world's  good  word 

Appeared  a  nobler  faith  ; 
Yet  could  I  rest  on  bliss  that  hung 

And  trembled  on  a  breath  ? 


THE  END  OF  MAN.  367 

5. 


The  pleasure  of  the  passing  hour 
My  spirit  next  could  wiie  ; 

But  soon,  full  soon  my  heart  fell  sick 
Of  pleasure's  weary  smile. 


6. 


More  selfish  grown,  I  worshipped  health, 
The  flush  of  manhood's  power  ; 

But  then  it  came  and  went  so  quick, 
It  was  but  for  an  hour. 

7. 

And  thus  a  not  unkindly  world 

Hath  done  its  best  for  me ; 
Yet  I  have  found,  O  God !  no  rest, 

No  harbor  short  of  Thee. 

8. 

For  Thou  hast  made  this  wondrous  soul 

All  for  Thyself  alone ; 
Ah  !  send  Thy  sweet  transforming  grace 

To  make  it  more  Thine  own. 


C68  THE  REMEMBRANCE  OF  MERCY. 

112. 

THE  REMEMBRANCE  OF  MERCY. 

1. 

W^hy  art  thou  sorrowful,  servant  of  God  ? 

And  what  is  this  dulness  that  hangs  o'er  thee 
now  ? 
Sing  the  praises  of  Jesus,  and  sing  them  aloud, 

And  the  song  shall  dispel  the  dark  cloud  from  thy 

brow. 

2. 

For  is  there  a  thought  in  the  wide  world  so  sweet, 
As  that  God  has  so  cared  for  us,  bad  as  we  are, 

That  he  thinks  of  us,  plans  for  us,  stoops  to  entreat, 
And  follows  us,  wander  we  ever  so  far  ? 

3. 

Then  how  can  the  heart  e'er  be  drooping  or  sad. 
Which  God  hath  once  touched  with  the  light  of 
His  grace  ? 

Can  the  child  have  a  doubt  who  but  lately  hath  laid 
Himself  to  repose  in  his  father's  embrace  ? 

4. 

And  is  it  not  wonderful,  servant  of  God ! 

That  He  should  have  honored  us  so  with  His 
love, 
That  the  sorrows  of  life  should  but  shorten  the  road 

Which  leads  to  Himself  and  the  mansion  above  ? 


THE  REMEMBRANCE  OF  MERCY.  369 

5. 

Oh  then  when  the  spirit  of  darkness  comes  down 
With  clouds  and  uncertainties  into  thy  heart, 

One  look  to  thy  Saviour,  one  thought  of  thy  crown, 
And  the  tempest  is  over,  the  shadows  depart. 

6. 

That  God  hath  once  whispered  a  word  in  thine  ear, 
Or  sent  thee  from  heaven  one  sorrow  for  sin. 

Is  enough  for  a  life  both  to  banish  all  fear, 
And  to  turn  into  peace  all  the  troubles  within. 

7. 

The  schoolmen  can  teach  thee  far  less  about  heaven. 

Of  the  height  of  God's  power,  or  the  depth  of 

His  love. 

Than  the  fire  in  thy  heart  when  thy  sin  was  forgiven. 

Or  the  light  that  one  mercy  brings  down  from 

above. 

8. 

Then  why  dost  thou  weep  so  ?  For  see  how  time 
flies. 

The  time  that  for  loving  and  praising  was  given ! 
Away  with  thee,  child,  then,  and  hide  thy  red  eyes 

In  the  lap,  the  kind  lap,  of  thy  Father  in  heaven. 


370  THE  CHRISTIAN'S  SONQ 


113. 

THE  CHRISTIANAS  SONG  ON  HIS  MARCH 
TO  HEAVEN. 

1. 

Blest  is  the  Faith,  divine  and  strong, 

Of  thanks  and  praise  and  endless  fountain, 
Wliose  life  is  one  perpetual  song, 

High  up  the  Saviour's  holy  mountain. 
Oh  Sion's  songs  are  sweet  to  sing, 

With  melodies  of  gladness  laden  ; 
Hark  !  how  the  harps  of  angels  ring, 

Hail,  Son  of  Man  !  Hail,  Mother-Maiden  ! 

2. 

Blest  is  the  Hope  that  holds  to  God 

In  doubt  and  darkness  still  unshaken, 
And  sings  along  the  heavenly  road. 
Sweetest  when  most  it  seems  forsaken. 
Oh  Sion's  songs  are  sweet  to  sing, 

AVith  melodies  of  gladness  laden; 
Hark  !  how  the  harps  of  angels  ring. 

Hail,  Son  of  Man  !  Hail,  Mother-Maiden  ! 

3. 

Blest  is  the  Love  tliat  cannot  love 

Aught  that  earth  gives  of  best  and  brightest; 
Whose  raptures  thrill  like  saints'  above. 

Most  when  its  earthly  gifts  are  lightest. 


ON  HIS  MARCH  TO  HEAVEN.  371 

Oh  Sion's  songs  are  sweet  to  sing, 
With  melodies  of  gladness  laden ; 

Hark  !  how  the  harps  of  angels  ring, 

Hail,  Son  of  Man  !  Hail,  Mother-Maiden  ! 

4. 

Blest  is  the  Penance  that  believes 

That  charity  turns  hell  to  heaven, 
Counts  its  dark  sins,  and,  while  it  grieves, 
Hopes  with  meek  hope  to  be  forgiven. 
Oh  Sion's  songs  are  sweet  to  sing. 

With  melodies  of  gladness  laden ; 
Hark  !  how  the  harps  of  angels  ring. 

Hail,  Son  of  Man  !  Hail,  Mother-Maiden  ! 

5. 

Blest  is  the  Time  that  in  the  eye 

Of  God  its  hopeful  watch  is  keeping, 
And  grows  into  eternity. 

Like  noiseless  trees,  when  men  are  sleeping. 
Oh  Sion's  songs  are  sweet  to  sing. 

With  melodies  of  gladness  lade-n ; 
Hark  !  how  the  harps  of  angels  ring. 

Hail,  Son  of  Man  !  Hail,  Mother-Maiden  ( 

6. 

Blest  is  the  Death  that  good  men  die, 
Solemn,  self-doubting,  firm,  and  wary, 

Trusting  to  God  its  destiny. 

And  leaning  for  its  hour  on  ]\Iary. 


372  FIGHT  FOR  SION. 

Oh  Slon's  songs  are  sweet  to  sing, 
AVith  melodies  of  gladness  laden ; 

Hark  !  how  the  harps  of  angels  ring, 

Hail,  Son  of  Man  !  Hail,  Mother-Maiden  ! 


114. 

FIGHT  FOR  SIOK 

Christians  !  to  the  war ! 
Gather  from  afar ! 

Hark !  hark  !  the  word  is  given ; 
Jesus  bids  us  fight 
"For  God  and  the  Right, 
And  for  Mary,  the  Queen  of  Heaven  ! '' 

1. 

Now  first  for  thee,  thou  wicked  world, 

Puffed  up  with  godless  pomp  and  pageant ; 
Avenging  grace  to  humble  thee 

Can  make  the  weakest  arm  its  ao;ent. 
Christians  !  to  the  war  ! 
Gather  from  afar ! 

Hark  !  hark  !  the  word  is  given ; 
Jesus  bids  us  fight 
"  For  God  and  the  Right, 
And  for  Mary,  the  Queen  of  Heaven ! " 


FIGHT  FOR  SION.  373 


2. 


And  thou,  dark  fiend,  six  thousand  years 

The  Bride  of  Christ  in  vain  tormenting, 
Shalt  find  our  hate  and  scorn  of  thee 
Deep  as  thine  own,  and  unrelenting. 
Christians  !  to  the  war  ! 
Gather  from  afar ! 

Hark  !  hark  !  the  word  is  given ; 
Jesus  bids  us  fight 
"  For  God  and  the  Right, 
And  for  Mary,  the  Queen  of  Heaven  ! " 

3. 

Ah  self !  so  oft  forgiven,  thou 

Canst  play  no  part  but  that  of  traitor ; 
We  spare  thy  life ;  but  thou  must  bear 
The  felon's  brand,  the  captive's  fetter. 
Christians  !  to  the  war  ! 
Gather  from  afar ! 

Hark  !  hark  !  the  word  is  given  ; 
Jesus  bids  us  fight 
"  For  God  and  the  Right, 
And  for  Mary,  the  Queen  of  Heaven ! '' 

4. 

But  worse  than  devil,  flesh,  or  world. 
Human  respect,  like  poison  creeping. 

Chills  and  unnerves  the  hosts  of  Christ, 
When  weary  war-worn  hearts  are  sleeping. 


374  ^  FIGHT  FOR  SION. 

Christians  !  to  the  war! 
Gather  from  afar  ! 

Hark  !  hark  !  the  word  is  given  j 
Jesus  bids  us  fght 
"  For  God  and  the  Right, 
And  for  Mary,  the  Queen  of  Heaven  I " 

6. 

Like  lions  roaring  for  their  prey, 

Armies  of  foes  are  round  us  trooping  : 
What  then  ?  see  !  countless  angels  come 
To  heal  the  hurt,  to  raise  the  drooping. 
Christians !  to  the  war ! 
Gather  from  afar ! 

Hark  !  hark !  the  word  is  given ; 
Jesus  bids  us  fight 
''  For  God  and  the  Eight, 
And  for  Mary,  the  Queen  of  Heaven ! " 

6. 

Tbei>  bravely,  comrades,  to  the  fight, 

With  shout  and  song  each  other  cheering ; 
Strength  not  our  own  from  heaven  descends. 
The  sun  breaks  out,  the  clouds  are  clearing. 
Christians !  to  the  war  ! 
Gather  from  afar ! 

Hark  !  hark  !  the  word  is  given; 
Jesus  bids  us  fight 
"  For  God  and  the  Right, 
And  for  Mary,  the  Queen  of  Heaven ! " 


PERFECTION,  375 

7. 

On  to  the  gates  of  Sion,  on  ! 

Break  through  the  foe  with  fresh  endeavor ; 
We'll  hang  our  colors  up  in  heaven, 

When  peace  shall  be  proclaimed  for  ever. 
Christians  !  to  the  war  ! 
Gather  from  afar ! 

Hark !  hark  !  the  word  is  given ; 
Jesus  bids  us  fight 
"For  God  and  the  Right, 
And  for  Mary,  the  Queen  of  Heaven ! '' 


115. 

PEEFECTIOK 

1. 

Oh  how  the  thought  of  God  attracts 
And  draws  the  heart  from  earth, 

And  sickens  it  of  passing  shows 
And  dissipating  mirth! 

2. 

'Tis  not  enough  to  save  our  souls, 

To  shun  the  eternal  fires ; 
The  thought  of  God  will  rouse  the  heart 

To  more  sublime  desires. 


376  PERFECTION, 

3. 

God  only  is  the  creature's  home, 
Thougli  roiigli  and  strait  the  road; 

Yet  nothing  less  can  satisfy 
The  love  that  longs  for  God. 

4. 

Oh  utter  but  the  Name  of  God 
Do\Yn  in  your  heart  of  hearts, 

And  see  how  from  the  world  at  once 
All  tempting  light  departs. 

5. 

A  trusting  heart,  a  yearning  eye, 
Can  win  their  way  above ; 

If  mountains  can  be  moved  by  faith, 
Is  there  less  power  in  love  ? 

6. 

How  little  of  that  road,  my  soul ! 

How  little  hast  thou  gone  ! 
Take  heart,  and  let  the  thought  of  God 

Allure  thee  further  on. 

7. 

The  freedom  from  all  wilful  sin, 
The  Christian's  daily  task, — 

Oh  these  are  graces  far  below 
What  longing  love  would  ask ! 


PERFECTION.  377 


8. 


Dole  not  thy  duties  out  to  God, 

But  let  thy  hand  be  free : 
Look  long  at  Jesus ;  His  sweet  Blood, 

How  was  it  dealt  to  thee  ? 

9. 

The  perfect  way  is  hard  to  flesh; 

It  is  not  hard  to  love ; 
If  thou  wert  sick  for  want  of  God, 

How  swiftly  wouldst  thou  move ! 


0. 


Good  is  the  cloister's  silent  shade, 
Cold  watch  and  pining  fast ; 

Better  the  mission's  wearing  strife, 
If  there  thy  lot  be  cast. 

11. 

Yet  none  of  these  perfection  needs  : — 
Keep  thy  heart  calm  all  day, 

And  catch  the  words  the  Spirit  there 
From  hour  to  hour  may  say. 

12. 

Then  keep  thy  conscience  sensitive ; 

No  inward  token  miss  : 
And  go  where  grace  entices  thee ; — 

Perfection  lies  in  this. 

32* 


378  THE  GIFTS  OF  GOD. 

13. 

Be  docile  to  thine  unseen  Guide, 
Love  Him  as  He  loves  thee ; 

Time  and  obedience  are  enough, 
And  thou  a  saint  shalt  be. 


116. 

THE  GIFTS  OF  GOD. 

1. 

My  Soul !  what  hast  thou  done  for  God  ? 

Look  o'er  thy  misspent  years  and  see ; 
Sum  up  what  thou  hast  done  for  God, 

And  then  what  God  hath  done  for  thee. 

2. 

He  made  thee  when  He  might  have  made 
A  soul  that  would  have  loved  Him  more ; 

He  rescued  thee  from  nothingness, 
And  set  thee  on  life's  happy  shore. 

3. 

He  placed  an  angel  at  thy  side, 

And  strewed  joys  round  thee  on  thy  w^ay ; 
He  gave  ihoe  rights  thou  couldst  not  claim. 

And  life,  free  life,  before  thee  lay. 


THE  GIFTS  OF  GOD.  379 


4. 


Had  God  in  heaven  no  work  to  do 
But  miracles  of  love  for  thee  ? 

No  world  to  rule,  no  joy  in  Self, 
And  in  His  own  infinity  ? 

5. 

So  must  it  seem  to  our  blind  eyes : 
He  gave  His  love  no  sabbath  rest, 

Still  plotting  happiness  for  men, 

And  new  designs  to  make  them  blest. 

6. 

From  out  His  glorious  Bosom  came 

His  only,  His  eternal  Son ; 
He  freed  the  race  of  Satan's  slaves. 

And  with  His  Blood  sin's  captives  won. 

7. 

The  world  rose  up  against  His  love : 
New  love  the  vile  rebellion  met, 

As  though  God  only  looked  at  sin 
Its  guilt  to  pardon  and  forget. 

8. 

For  His  Eternal  Spirit  came 

To  raise  the  thankless  slaves  to  sons, 

And  with  the  sevenfold  gifts  of  love 
To  crown  His  own  elected  ones. 


380  THE  GIFTS  OF  GOD. 


9. 


Men  spurned  His  grace;  their  lips  blasphemed 
The  Love  who  made  Himself  their  slave; 

They  grieved  that  blessed  Comforter 
And  turned  against  Him  what  He  gave. 

10. 

Yet  still  the  sun  is  fair  by  day, 
The  moon  still  beautiful  by  night ; 

The  world  goes  round,  and  joy  with  it, 
And  life,  free  life,  is  men's  delight, 

11. 

No  voice  God's  wondrous  silence  breaks, 
No  hand  put  forth  His  anger  tells ; 

But  He,  the  Omnipotent  and  Dread, 
On  high  in  humblest  patience  dwells. 

12. 

The  Son  hath  come ;  and  maddened  sin 

The  world's  Creator  crucified  ; 
The  Spirit  comes,  and  stays,  while  men 

His  presence  doubt.  His  gifts  deride. 

13. 

And  now  the  PVhcr  keeps  Himself, 

In  patient  and  forbearing  love, 
To  be  His  creature's  heritage 

In  that  undying  life  above. 


TRUE  LOVE. 

14. 

Oh  wonderful,  oh  passing  thought, 
The  love  that  God  hath  had  for  thee, 

Spending  on  thee  no  less  a  sum 
Than  the  Undivided  Trinity  ! 

15. 

Father,  and  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost, 
Exhausted  for  a  thing  Hke  this, — 

The  world's  whole  government  disposed 
For  one  ungrateful  creature's  bliss ! 

16. 

What  hast  thou  done  for  God  my  soul  ? 

Look  o'er  thy  misspent  years  and  see  ; 
Cry  from  thy  worse  than  nothingness, 

Cry  for  His  mercy  upon  thee. 


117. 

TRUE  LOVE. 

1. 

Think  well  how  Jesus  trusts  Himself 

Unto  our  childish  love, 
As  though  by  His  free  ways  with  us 

Our  earnestness  to  prove. 


382  TRUE  LOVE. 


2. 

God  gives  Himself  as  Mary's  Babe 
To  sinners'  trembling  arms, 

And  veils  His  everlastino;  lio-ht 
In  childhood's  feeble  charms. 


3. 

His  sacred  Name  a  common  word 

On  earth  He  loves  to  hear ; 
There  is  no  majesty  in  Him 

Which  love  may  not  come  near. 

4. 

His  priests,  they  bear  Him  in  their  hands, 

Helpless  as  babe  can  be  ; 
His  love  seems  very  foolishness 

For  its  simplicity. 

5. 

The  light  of  love  is  round  His  feet, 

His  paths  are  never  dim  ; 
And  He  comes  nigh  to  us  when  we 

Dare  not  come  nigh  to  Him. 

6. 

Let  us  be  simple  with  Him  then, 

Not  backward,  stiff,  or  cold, 
As  though  our  Bethlehem  could  be 

What  Sina  was  of  old. 


TRUE  LOVE.  383 


7. 


His  love  of  us  may  teach  us  how 

To  love  Him  in  return ; 
Love  cannot  help  but  grow  more  free, 

The  more  its  transports  burn. 

8. 

The  solemn  face,  the  downcast  eye, 
The  W'Ords  constrained  and  cold, — • 

These  are  the  homage,  poor  at  best, 
Of  those  outside  the  fold. 

9. 

They  knew  not  how  our  God  can  play 
The  Babe's,  the  Brother's  part ; 

They  dream  not  of  the  ways  He  has 
Of  getting  at  the  heart. 

10. 

Most  winningly  He  lowers  Himself, 
Yet  they  dare  not  come  near; 

They  cannot  know  in  their  blind  place 
The  love  that  casts  out  fear, 

11. 

In  lowest  depths  of  littleness 
God  sinks  to  gain  our  love ; 

They  put  away  the  sign  in  fear, 
And  our  free  ways  reprove. 


384  TRUE  LOVE. 


12. 


Would  that  they  knew  what  Jesus  was, 

And  what  untold  abyss 
Lies  in  love's  simple  forwardness 

Of  more  than  earthly  bliss ! 

13. 

Would  that  they  knew  what  faith  can  work, 

AVhat  Sacraments  can  do, 
What  simple  love  is  like,  on  fire 

In  hearts  absolved  and  true  I 

14. 

They  cannot  tell  how  Jesus  oft 

His  secret  thirst  will  slake 
On  those  strange  freedoms  childlike  hearts 

Are  taught  by  God  to  take. 

15. 

Poor  souls  !  they  knew  not  how  to  love; 

They  feel  not  Jesus  near ; 
And  they  who  know  not  how  to  love 

Still  less  know  how  to  fear. 

16. 

The  humbling  of  the  Incarnate  Word 

They  have  not  faith  to  face ; 
And  how  shall  they  who  have  not  faith 


Attain  love's  better  grace? 


TRUE  LOVE.  385 

17. 

The  awe  that  lies  too  deep  for  words, 

Too  deep  for  solemn  looks, — 
It  finds  no  way  into  the  face, 

No  written  vent  in  books. 

18. 

They  would  not  speak  in  measured  tones, 

If  love  had  in  them  wrought 
Until  their  spirits  had  been  hushed 

In  reverential  thought. 

19. 

They  would  have  smiled  in  harmless  ways 

To  ease  their  fevered  heart, 
And  learned  with  other  simple  souls 

To  play  love's  crafty  part. 

20. 

• 

They  would  have  run  away  from  God 

For  their  own  vileness'  sake, 
And  feared  lest  some  interior  light 

From  tell-tale  eyes  should  break.  J 

21. 

They  know  not  how  the  outward  smile 

The  inward  awe  can  prove ; 
They  fathom  not  the  creature's  fear 

Of  Uncreated  Love, 

33 


386  SELF-LOVE. 


22. 


The  majesty  of  God  ne'er  broke 

On  them  like  fire  at  night, 
Flooding  their  striclven  souls,  while  they 

Lay  trembling  in  the  light. 

23. 

They  love  not ;  for  they  have  not  kissed 

The  Saviour's  outer  hem  : 
They  fear  not ;  for  the  Living  God 

Is  yet  unknown  to  them. 


118. 

SELF-LOVE. 

•*  Christ  (lid  not  please  Himself." — Romans  xv,  3. 
1. 

■ 

Oh  I  could  go  through  all  life's  troubles  singing, 

Turning  earth's  night  to  day, 
If  self  were  not  so  fast  around  me,  clinging 

To  all  I  do  or  say. 

2. 

My  very  thoughts  are  selfish,  always  building 

Meq,n  castles  in  the  air ; 
I  use  my  lovp  of  others  for  a  gilding 

To  make  myself  look  fair. 


SELF-LOVE.  38' 

3. 

I  fancy  all  the  world  engrossed  with  judging 

My  merit  or  my  blame ; 
Its  warmest  praise  seems  an  ungracious  grudging 

Of  praise  which  I  might  claim. 

4. 

In  youth  or  age,  by  city,  wood,  or  mountain, 

Self  is  forgotten  never ; 
Where'er  we  tread,  it  gushes  like  a  fountain, 

And  its  waters  flow  for  ever. 

6. 

Alas !  no  speed  in  life  can  snatch  us  wholly 

Out  of  self  s  hateful  sight ; 
And  it  keeps  step,  whene'er  we  travel  slowly, 

And  sleeps  with  us  at  night. 

6. 

No  grief's  sharp  knife,  no  pain's  most  cruel  sawing 

Self  and  the  soul  can  sever : 
The  surface,  that  in  joy  sometimes  seems  thawing. 

Soon  freezes  worse  than  ever. 

7. 

Thus  we  are  never  men,  self  s  wretched  swathinp; 

Not  letting  virtue  swell ; 
Thus  is  our  whole  life  numbed,  for  ever  bathing 

Within  this  frozen  well. 


388  SELF-LOVE. 

8. 

O  miserable  omnipresence,  stretching 

Over  all  time  and  space, 
How  have  I  run  from  thee,  yet  found  thee  reaching 

The  goal  in  every  race. 

9. 

Inevitable  self!  vile  imitation 

Of  universal  light, — 
Within  our  hearts  a  dreadful  usurpation 

Of  God's  exclusive  right ! 

10. 

The  opiate  balms  of  grace  may  haply  still  thee, 

Deep  in  my  nature  lying ; 
For  I  may  hardly  hope,  alas !  to  kill  thee, 

Save  by  the  act  of  dying. 

11. 

O  Lord !  that  I  could  waste  my  life  for  others, 

With  no  ends  of  my  own. 
That  I  could  pour  myself  into  my  brothers, 

And  live  for  them  alone  ! 

12. 

Such  was  the  life  Thou  livedst;  self-abjuring, 

Thine  own  pains  never  easing, 
Our  burdens  bearing,  our  just  doom  enduring, 

A  life  without  self-pleasing ! 


HARSH  JUDGMENTS.  389 


119. 

HARSH  JUDGMENTS. 

1. 

0  God  !  whose  thoughts  are  brightest  light, 
Whose  love  always  runs  clear, 

To  whose  kind  wisdom  sinning  souls 
Amidst  their  sins  are  dear  ! 

2. 

Sweeten  my  bitter-thoughted  heart 

With  charity  like  Thine, 
Till  self  shall  be  the  only  spot 

On  earth  which  does  not  shine. 

3. 

Hardheartedness  dwells  not  with  souls 
Round  whom  Thine  arms  are  drawn ; 

And  dark  thoughts  fade  away  in  grace, 
Like  cloud-spots  in  the  dawn. 

4. 

1  often  see  in  my  own  thoughts, 
When  they  lie  nearest  Thee, 

That  the  worst  men  I  ever  knew 
Were  better  men  than  me. 
33* 


390  HARSH  JUDGMENTS. 

5. 

And  of  all  truths  no  other  truth 

So  true  as  this  one  seems ; 
While  others'  faults,  that  plainest  were, 

Grow  indistinct  as  dreams. 

6. 

All  men  look  good  excejDt  ourselves, 
All  but  ourselves  are  great : 

The  rays,  that  make  our  sins  so  clear, 
Their  faults  obliterate. 

7. 

Things,  that  appear  undoubted  sins, 
Wear  little  crowns  of  lii^ht ; 

Their  dark,  remaining  darkness  still. 
Shames  and  outshines  our  bright. 

8. 

Time  was,  when  I  believed  that  wrong: 

In  others  to  detect, 
Was  part  of  genius,  and  a  gift 

To  cherish,  not  reject. 

9. 

Now  better  taught  by  Thee,  O  Lord ! 

T!iis  truth  dawns  on  my  mind, — 
The  best  effect  of  heavenly  light 

Is  earth's  false  eyes  to  blind. 


HARSH  JUDGMENTS.  391 

10. 

Thou  art  the  Unapproached,  whose  height 

Enables  Thee  to  stoop, 
Whose  holiness  bends  undefiled 

To  handle  hearts  that  droop. 

11. 

He,  whom  no  praise  can  reach,  is  aye 
Men's  least  attempts  approving ; 

Whom  justice  makes  all-merciful, 
Omniscience  makes  all-loving. 

12. 

How  Thou  canst  think  so  well  of  us, 

Yet  be  the  God  Thou  art. 
Is  darkness  to  my  intellect. 

But  sunshine  to  my  heart. 

13. 

Yet  habits  linger  in  the  soul ; 

More  grace,  O  Lord  !  more  grace  ! 
More  sweetness  from  Thy  loving  Heart, 

More  sunshine  from  Thy  Face ! 

14. 

When  we  ourselves  least  kindly  are, 

We  deem  the  world  unkind  ; 
Dark  hearts,  in  flowers  where  honey  lies, 

Only  the  poison  find. 


392  IIAJiSH  JUDGMENTS. 

15. 

"We  paint  from  self  the  evil  things 

We  think  that  others  are ; 
While  to  the  self-despising  soul 

All  things  but  self  are  fair. 

16. 

Yes,  they  have  caught  the  way  of  God, 

To  whom  self  lies  displayed 
In  such  clear  vision  as  to  cast 

O'er  others'  faults  a  shade. 

17. 

A  bright  horizon  out  at  sea 

Obscures  the  distant  ships ; 
Kough  hearts  look  smooth  and  beautiful 

In  charity's  eclipse. 

18. 

Love's  changeful  mood  our  neighbor's  faults 
O'erwhelms  with  burning  ray, 

And  in  excess  of  splendor  hides 
What  is  not  burned  away. 

19. 

Again,  with  truth  like  God's,  it  shades 
Harsh  things  with  untrue  light,  , 

Like  moons  that  make  a  fairy  land 
Of  fallow  fields  at  night. 


HARSH  JUDGMENTS.  393 

20. 

Then  mercy,  Lord  !  more  mercy  still ! 

Make  me  all  light  within, 
Self-hating  and  compassionate, 

And  blind  to  others'  sin. 

21. 

I  need  Thy  mercy  for  my  sin ; 

But  more  than  this  I  need, — 
Thy  mercy's  likeness  in  my  soul 

For  others'  sin  to  bleed. 

22. 

'Tis  not  enough  to  weep  my  sins ; 

'Tis  but  one  step  to  heaven  : 
When  I  am  kind  to  others,  then 

I  know  myself  forgiven. 

23. 

Would  that  my  soul  might  be  a  world 

Of  golden  ether  bright, 
A  heaven  where  other  souls  might  float, 

Like  all  Thy  worlds,  in  light. 

24. 

All  bitterness  is  from  ourselves. 

All  sweetness  is  from  Thee ; 
Sweet  God  !  for  evermore  be  Thou 

Fountain  and  fire  in  me ! 


394  DISTRACTIONS  IN  PRAYER, 


120. 

DISTRACTIONS  IN  PRAYER. 

1. 

Ah  dearest  Lord  !  I  cannot  pray, 

My  fancy  is  not  free ; 
Unmannerly  distractions  come, 

And  force  my  thoughts  from  Thee. 

2. 

The  world  that  looks  so  dull  all  day 
Glows  bright  on  me  at  prayer, 

And  plans  that  ask  no  thought  but  then 
Wake  up  and  meet  me  there. 

3. 

All  nature  one  full  fountain  seems 

Of  dreamy  sight  and  sound, 
Which,  when  I  kneel,  breaks  up  its  deeps, 

And  makes  a  deluc^e  round. 


& 


4. 


Old  voices  murmur  in  my  ear, 
New  hopes  start  into  life. 

And  past  and  future  gaily  blend 
In  one  bewitching  strife. 


DISTRACTIONS  IN  FRAYER.  395 

5. 

My  very  flesh  lias  restless  fits ; 

My  changeful  limbs  conspire 
With  all  these  phantoms  of  the  mind 

My  inner  self  to  tire. 

6. 

I  cannot  pray ;  yet,  Lord  !  Thou  knowst 

The  pain  it  is  to  me 
To  have  my  vainly  struggling  thoughts 

Thus  torn  away  from  Thee. 

7. 

Sweet  Jesus  !  teach  me  how  to  prize 

These  tedious  hours  when  I, 
Foolish  and  mute  before  Thy  Face, 

In  helpless  worship  lie. 

8. 

Prayer  was  not  meant  for  luxury, 

Or  selfish  pastime  sweet ; 
It  is  the  prostrate  creature's  place 

At  his  Creator's  Feet. 

9. 

Had  I  kept  stricter  watch  each  hour 

O'er  tongue  and  eye  and  ear, 
Had  I  but  mortified  all  day 

Each  joy  as  it  came  near. 


396  DISTRACTIONS  IN  PRAYER. 

10. 

Had  I,  dear  Lord !  no  pleasure  found 

But  in  the  thought  of  Thee, 
Prayer  would  have  come  unsought,  and  been 

A  truer  liberty. 

t 

11. 

Yet  Thou  art  oft  most  present,  Lord ! 

In  weak  distracted  prayer : 
A  sinner  out  of  heart  with  self 

Most  often  finds  Thee  there. 

12. 

For  prayer  that  humbles  sets  the  soul 

From  all  illusions  free. 
And  teaches  it  how  utterly. 

Dear  Lord  !  it  hangs  on  Thee. 

13. 

The  heart,  that  on  self-sacrifice 

Is  covetously  bent, 
Will  bless  Thy  chastening  hand  that  makes 

Its  prayer  its  punishment. 

14. 

My  Saviour  !  why  should  I  complain, 

And  why  fear  aught  but  sin  ? 
Distractions  are  but  outward  things ; 

Thy  peace  dwells  far  within. 


SWEETNESS  IN  PRAYER.  397 


15. 


These  surface-troubles  come  and  go, 
Like  rufflings  of  the  sea ; 

The  deeper  depth  is  out  of  reach 
To  all,  my  God,  but  Thee. 


121. 

SWEETNESS  IN  PRAYEE. 

i. 

Why  dost  thou  beat  so  quick,  my  heart  ? 

Why  struggle  in  thy  cage  ? 
What  shall  I  do  for  thee,  poor  heart ! 

Thy  throbbing  heat  to  swage  ? 

2. 

What  spe'    is  this  come  over  thee, 
My  soul  !  what  sweet  surprise  ? 

And  wherefore  these  unbidden  tears 
That  start  into  mine  eyes  ? 

3. 

How  are  my  passions  laid  to  sleep, 

How  easy  penance  seems, 
And  how  the  bright  world  fades  away — 

Oh  are  they  all  but  dreams  ? 

34 


398  SWEETNESS  IN  PRAYER. 

4. 

How  great,  how  good  does  God  appear, 

How  dear  our  holy  faith, 
How  tasteless  life's  best  joys  have  grown, 

How  I  could  welcome  death  ! 

5. 

Thy  sweetness  hath  betrayed  Thee,  Lord ! 

Dear  Spirit !  it  is  Thou ; 
Deeper  and  deeper  in  my  heart 

I  feel  Thee  nestling  now. 

6. 

Whence  Thou  hast  come  I  need  not  ask; 

But,  dear  and  gentle  Dove  ! 
O  wherefore  hast  Thou  lit  on  me 

That  so  repays  Thy  love  ? 

7. 

Would  that  Thou  mightest  stay  with  me, 

Or  else  that  I  might  die 
While  heart  and  soul  are  still  subdued 

With  Thy  sweet  mastery. 

8. 

Thy  home  is  with  the  humble,  Lord ! 

The  simple  are  Thy  rest ; 
Thy  lodging  is  in  childlike  hearts; 

Thou  raakest  there  Thy  nest. 


SWEETNESS  IN  PRAYER.  399 

9. 

Dear  Comforter  !  Eternal  Love ! 

If  Thou  wilt  stay  with  me, 
Of  lowly  thoughts  and  simple  ways 

I'll  build  a  nest  for  Thee. 

10. 

My  heart,  sweet  Dove  !  I'll  lend  to  Thee 

To  mourn  with  at  Thy  will ; 
My  tongue  shall  be  Thy  lute  to  try 

On  sinners'  souls  Thy  skill. 

11. 

How  silver-like  Thy  plumage  is, 

Thy  voice,  how  grave,  how  gay ! 
Ah  me  !  how  I  shall  miss  Thee,  Lord  ! 

Then  promise  me  to  stay. 

12. 

Who  made  this  beating  heart  of  mine, 

But  Thou,  my  heavenly  Guest  ? 
Let  no  one  have  it  then  but  Thee, 

And  let  it  be  Thy  nest. 


400  DRYNESS  IN  PRAYER. 


122. 

DRYNESS  IN  PRAYER. 

1. 

Oh  for  the  happy  days  gone  by, 
Whe^  love  ran  smooth  and  free, 

Days  when  my  spirit  so  enjoyed 
More  than  earth's  liberty ! 

2. 

Oh  for  the  times  when  on  my  heart 
Long  prayer  had  never  palled, 

Times  when  the  ready  thought  of  God 
Would  come  when  it  was  called  ! 

3. 

Then  when  I  knelt  to  meditate. 
Sweet  thoughts  came  o'er  my  soul, 

Countless  and  bright  and  beautiful, 
Beyond  my  own  control. 

4. 

What  can  have  locked  those  fountains  up  ? 

Those  visions  what  hath  stayed  ? 
What  sudden  act  hath  thus  transformed 

My  sunshine  into  shade? 


DRYNESS  IN  PEAYEB.  401 

6. 

This  freezing  heart,  O  Lord  !  this  will 

Dry  as  the  desert  sand, 
Good  thoughts  that  will  not  come,  bad  thoughts 

That  come  without  commaud,— 

6. 

A  faith  that  seems  not  faith,  a  hope 

That  cares  not  for  its  aim, 
A  love  that  none  the  hotter  grows 

At  Thj  most  blessed  Name,— 

7. 

The  weariness  of  prayer,  the  mist 

O'er  conscience  overspread. 
Tie  chill  repugnance  to  frequent 

The  feast  of  angels'  Bread,— 

8. 

The  torment  of  unsettled  thoughts 

That  cannot  fix  on  Thee, 
And  in  the  dread  confessional 

Hard,  cold  fidelity  :— 

9. 

If  this  dear  change  be  Thine,  O  Jiord  1 

If  it  be  Thy  sweet  will. 
Spare  not,  but  to  the  very  brim 

The  bitter  chalice  fill. 

34* 


402  DRYNESS  IN  PEAYEM. 

10. 

But  if  it  hath  been  sin  of  mine, 
Then  show  that  sin  to  me, 

Kot  to  get  back  the  sweetness  lost, 
But  to  make  peace  with  Thee. 

11. 

One  thing  alone,  dear  Lord  !  I  dread  ;- 

To  have  a  secret  spot 
That  separates  my  soul  from  Thee, 

And  yet  to  know  it  not. 

12. 

For  w^hen  the  tide  of  graces  set 

So  full  upon  my  heart, 
I  know,  dear  Lord  !  how  faithlessly 

I  did  my  little  part. 

13. 

I  know  how  well  my  heart  hath  earned 

A  chastisement  like  this. 
In  trifling  many  a  grace  away 

In  self-complacent  bliss. 

14. 

But  if  this  weariness  hath  come 

A  present  from  on  high. 
Teach  me  to  find  the  hidden  wealth 

That  in  its  depths  may  lie. 


DR  YNESS  IN  PR  A  YER,  403 

15. 

So  in  this  darkness  I  may  learn 

To  tremble  and  adore, 
To  sound  my  own  vile  nothingness, 

And  thus  to  love  Thee  more, — 

16. 

To  love  Thee,  and  yet  not  to  think 

That  I  can  love  so  much, — 
To  have  Thee  with  me,  Lor  ^  !  all  day, 
.    Yet  not  to  feel  Thy  touch. 

17. 

If  I  have  served  Thee,  Lord  !  for  hire, 

Hire  which  Thy  beauty  showed, 
Can  I  not  serve  Thee  now  for  nought, 

And  only  as  my  God? 

18. 

Thrice  blessed  be  this  darkness  then, 

This  deep  in  which  I  lie. 
And  blessed  be  all  things  that  teach 

God's  dear  Supremacy  I 


i04  THE  PAIN  OF  LOVE. 


123. 

THE  PAIN  OF  LOYE. 

1. 

Jesus !  why  dost  Thou  love  me  so  ? 

What  hast  Thou  seen  in  me 
To  make  my  happiness  so  great, 

So  dear  a  joy  to  Thee  ? 

2. 

\Yert  Thou  not  God,  I  then  might  think 

Thou  hadst  no  eye  to  read 
The  badness  of  that  selfish  heart, 

For  which  Thine  own  did  bleed. 

3. 

But  Thou  art  God,  and  knowest  all ; 

Dear  Lord  !  Thou  knowest  me ; 
And  yet  Thy  knowledge  hinders  not 

Thy  love's  sweet  liberty. 

4. 

Ah,  how  Thy  grace  hath  wooed  my  soul 

With  persevering  wiles  ! 
Now  give  me  tears  to  weep  ;  for  tears 

Are  deeper  joy  than  smiles. 


THE  PAIN  OF  LOVE.  405 


5. 


Each  proof  renewed  of  Thy  great  love 
Humbles  me  more  and  more, 

And  brings  to  light  forgotten  sins, 
And  lays  them  at  my  door. 

6. 

The  more  I  love  Thee,  Lord !  the  more 

I  hate  my  own  cold  heart ; 
The  more  Thou  woundest  me  with  love, 

The  more  I  feel  the  smart. 

7. 

What  shall  I  do,  then,  dearest  Lord ! 

Say,  shall  I  fly  from  Thee, 
And  hide  my  poor  unloving  self 

Where  Thou  canst  never  see  ? 

8. 

Or  shall  I  pray  that  Thy  dear  love 

To  me  might  not  be  given  ? 
Ah  no !  love  must  be  pain  on  earth. 

If  it  be  bliss  in  heaven. 


406  LOW  SPIRITS. 


124. 

LOW  SPIRITS. 

1. 

Fever,  and  fret,  and  aimless  stir, 

And  disappointed  strife, 
All  chafing  unsuccessful  things, 

Make  up  the  sum  of  life. 

2. 

Love  adds  anxiety  to  toil, 

And  sameness  doubles  cares, 
While  one  unbroken  chain  of  work 

The  flagging  temper  wears. 

3. 

The  light  and  air  are  dulled  with  smoke; 

The  streets  resound  with  noise ; 
And  the  soul  sinks  to  see  its  peers 

Chasing  their  joyless  joys. 

4. 

Voices  are  round  me ;  smiles  are  near ; 

Kind  welcomes  to  be  had ; 
And  yet  my  spirit  is  alone, 

Fretful,  outworn,  and  sad. 


LOW  SPIRITS.  407 


5. 


A  weary  actor,  I  would  fain 

Be  quit  of  my  long  part ; 
The  burden  of  unquiet  life 

Lies  heavy  on  my  heart. 

6. 

Sweet  thought  of  God  !  now  do  thy  work, 

As  thou  hast  done  before ; 
Wake  up,  and  tears  will  wake  with  thee, 

And  the  dull  mood  be  o'er. 

7. 

The  very  thinking  of  the  thought, 

Without  or  praise  or  prayer. 
Gives  light  to  know,  and  life  to  do, 

And  marvellous  strength  to  bear. 

8. 

Oh  there  is  music  in  that  thought 

Unto  a  heart  unstrung, 
Like  sweet  bells  at  the  evening-time 

Most  musically  rung. 

9. 

'Tis  not  His  justice  or  His  power, 

Beauty  or  blest  abode. 
But  the  mere  unexpanded  thought 

Of  the  Eternal  (^od. 


108  LOW  SPIRITS. 

10. 

It  is  not  of  His  wondrous  works, 

Nor  even  that  He  is ; 
Words  fail  it,  but  it  is  a  thought 

Which  by  itself  is  bliss. 

11. 

Sweet  thought !  lie  closer  to  my  heart, 
That  I  may  feel  thee  near, 

As  one  who  for  his  weapon  feels 
In  some  nocturnal  fear. 

12. 

Mostly  in  hours  of  gloom  thou  com^st, 
AVhen  sadness  makes  us  lowly, 

As  though  thou  wert  the  echo  sweet 
Of  humble  melancholy. 

13. 

I  bless  Thee,  Lord  !  for  this  kind  check 

To  spirits  over  free, 
And  for  all  things  that  make  me  feel 

More  helpless  need  of  Thee, 


LIGHT  IN  DARKNESS,  409 


125. 

LIGHT  IN  DAEKNESS. 

1. 

Once  In  the  simple  thought  of  God 

My  old  repose  I  sought, 
But  lo !  the  well-known  peace  was  now 

No  longer  in  that  thought. 

2. 

My  spirit  fluttered  here  and  there, 

Beset  with  nameless  fears ; 
My  eyes  with  very  dryness  burned, 

While  my  heart  shed  inward  tears, 

3. 

I  was  as  cue  who  cannot  sleep 

Upon  a  bed  of  pain, 
Too  restless  to  be  still  and  bear, 

Too  peevish  to  complain. 

4. 

Then  suddenly  a  sixcnt  gloom 
Like  a  web  was  round  me  spun, 

As  grateful  as  a  sudden  shade 
After  a  scorching  sun. 
35 


410  LIGHT  IN  DA  RKNESS. 

5. 

The  darkness  grew,  and,  as  it  grew 
More  dark,  it  grew  more  still ; 

And  something  dawned,  less  in  my  mind 
Than  deep  within  my  will. 

6. 

In  that  dark  dawn,  confused  yet  plain, 

I  thought  that  I  could  see. 
In  radiant  indistinctness  clad, 

The  Holy  Trinity. 

7. 

My  soul  lay  at  the  door  of  death, 
Anguish  and  dread  within ; 

For  all  I  had  and  all  I  was 
Seemed  nothing  then  but  sin* 

8. 

How  I  could  speak  I  cannot  tell. 

How  I  could  dare  to  pray 
Seemed  wonderful ;  and  yet  my  heart 

To  Jesus  dared  to  say  : — 

9. 

Shew  me  the  Father's  Face,  O  Lord, 
This  was  my  venturous  cry. 

And  close  before  me,  as  I  prayed, 
Methought  Some  One  passed  by. 


LIGHT  IN  DARKNESS.  411 


10. 


And  yet  He  was  not  One  but  Three, 
Oh  how  fatherly  He  seemed ! 

A  mercy  half  so  merciful 
I  never  could  have  dreamed. 


11. 


The  space  of  one  swift  lightning's  flash 
Was  the  Majesty  outspread; 

Then  the  angel's  songs  the  silence  broke, 
And  the  glorious  darkness  fled. 


12. 

Deep  in  Thine  own  immensity 

Thyself  Thou  hidcst,  Lord ! 
There  always  speaking  to  Thyself 

Thine  Uncreated  Word. 

13. 

Thy  Wisdom,  like  a  sea  on  fire, 

Is  one  with  Thee  in  bliss ; 
His  unborn  loveliness  is  Thine, 

Thine  unborn  glory  His. 

14. 

Thou  and  Thy  Word  perforce  must  breathe 

One  equal  Breath  of  love, 
A  Breath  that  is  being  ever  breathed, 

One  coeternal  Dove. 


412  DIVINE  FA  VOES. 

15. 

Yet  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost 

Into  one  Father  run, 
A  Father  in  Their  Unity, 

A  Trinity  in  One. 

16. 

Father !  all  we  that  toil  on  earth 
One  day  at  rest  shall  be ; — 

Thou  art  our  haven  and  our  home, 
O  dearest  Trinity ! 


126. 

DIVINE  FAVORS. 

1. 

Is  this  returning  life  that  thrills 
So  sensibly  in  all  my  veins  ? 

Can  this  be  heavenly  joy  that  fills 
My  soul  with  such  mysterious  pains  ? 

2. 

I  see  but  indistinctly  yet 

Forms  growing  like  to  what  I  knew ; 
One  sun  is  rising,  one  is  set, 

But  which  of  those  two  suns  is  true  ? 


DIVINE  FA  VORS.  413 


3. 


Within  my  soul  there  hath  been  strife ; 

I  hear  retreating  voices  rave ; 
This  stirring  in  me  must  be  life, 

But  life  on  which  side  of  the  grave  ? 

4. 

Blue  sky,  green  earth,  my  well-known  room  ! 

I  waken  up  to  all  the  past ; 
But  what  a  look  of  cheerless  gloom 

That  inward  light  o'er  all  hath  cast ! 

5. 

0  Lord  !  what  hast  Thou  done  to  me  ? 
What  marks  are  these  my  spirit  bears  ? 

Why  didst  Thou  come  so  frighteuingly, 
Why  take  me,  Lord !  so  unawares  ? 

6. 

1  felt  Thy  touch ;  self  died, — alas ! 
Only  a  momentary  death  ; 

Ah  me  !  how  quickly  Thou  didst  pass^ 
Within  the  breathing  of  a  breath  ! 

7. 

No  revelation  did  unfold 

New  secrets  to  my  quickened  eye ; 
No  vision  on  my  sight  enrolled 

Its  hieroglyphic  pageantry. 

35* 


414  DIVINE  FAVORS. 

8. 

I  feel  no  wish  to  do  great  things, 
Nor  is  my  weakness  fortified ; 

Only,  within  are  murmurings, 
Beginning  softly  to  subside. 

9. 

But  in  that  momentary  sleep 

One  work  within  me  hath  been  done ; 

For  somehow  I  have  sunk  more  deep, 
Farther  into  my  soul  hath  gone. 

10. 

Thy  touch  hath  made  me  sensitive ; 

I  long  to  burrow  out  of  sight ; 
My  shame,  selfseen,  abhors  to  live, 

Humbled  by  such  excess  of  light. 

11. 

There  have  been  times  when  sense  of  sin 
Hath  laid  my  spirits  very  low ; 

Yet  this  sharp  light  went  deeper  in ; 
I  never  yet  was  humbled  so. 


part  Siytb. 


HYMIS^S    127-133. 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


127. 

THE  UNBELIEVING  WORLD. 

1. 

O  Lord  !  when  I  look  o'er  the  wide-spreading  world, 
How  lovely  and  yet  how  unhappy  it  seems, 

How  full  of  realities,  pure  and  divine. 
Yet  how  bent  on  unworshipful  dreams ! 

2. 

My  heart  swells  within  me  with  thankfulest  joy 
For  the  faith  which  to  me  Thou  hast  given ; 

For  in  all  Thine  amazing  abundance  of  gifts. 
Thou  hast  no  better  gift  short  of  heaven. 

3. 

There  was  darkness  in  Egypt  while  Israel  had  sun, 
And  the  songs  in  the  corn  fields  of  Gessen  were  gay, 
And  the  chosen  that  dwelt  mid  the  heathen  moved  on, 
Each  threading  the  gloom  with  his  own  private 
day. 

4. 

Ah  !  so  is  it  now  with  the  Church  of  Thy  choice  ; 
Her  lands  lie  in  light  which  to  worldlings  seems 
dim; 
And  each  child  of  that  Church,  who  must  live  in 
dark  realms, 
Has  a  sun  o'er  his  head  which  is  only  for  him. 

417 


418  THE  UNBELIEVING  WORLD. 

5. 

Yet  it  grieves  me  too,  Lord !  that  so  many  should 
wander, 
Should  see  nought  before  them  but  desolate  night, 
That  men  should  be  walled  in  with  darkness  around 
them, 
When  within  and  without  there  is  nothing  but 
light. 

6. 

But  still  more  I  grieve  for  Thy  glory,  O  Lord ! 

That  the  world  should  be  only  an  Egy|3t  for  Thee, 
That  the  bondsmen  of  error  should  boast  of  their 
chains. 

And  scoff  at  the  love  that  would  fain  set  them  free. 

7. 

Ah  Lord  !  they  must  learn  that  their  light  is  but 
darkness ; 
They  must  come  to  believe  that  our  darkness  is 
light; 
They,  who  think  they  see   far,  must  acknowledge 
their  blindness, 
And  come  to  Thy  Church  to  recover  their  sight. 

8. 

But  we  who  have  light,  we  must  make   our  light 
brighter. 
And  thus  show  our  love  to  Thee,  Lord !  for  Thy 
gift; 
The  faith  Thoq  hast  sent  us  our   love  can  make 
greater. 
And  almost  to  sight  our  believing  can  lift. 


THE  UNBELIEVI2s'G  WORLD.  419 

9. 

Faith  is  sweetest  of  worships  to  Him  who  so  loves 

His  unbearable  splendors  in  darkness  to  hide; 
And  to  trust  to  Thy  word,  dearest  Lord !  is  true  love, 
For  those  prayers  are  most  granted  which  seem 
most  denied. 

10. 

Oh  why  hast  Thou  made  then  faith's  field  all  so 
narrow, 
Nor  multiplied  objects  for  childlike  belief; 
For  faith,  though  it  is  such  a  beautiful  worship. 
Is  but  earth's  span  of  heaven,  too  fleeting  and 
brief. 

11. 

Thou   hast  dealt  better  measure  to  hope  than   to 
faith  ; 
Hope  can  hope  for  no  more,  since  it  hopes.  Lord  ! 
for  Thee ; 
Nought  is  lacking  to   love  which  has  fastened  on 
God! 
It  is  love  lost  in  love  like  a  drop  in  the  sea. 

12. 

But  faith  throws  her  arms  around  all  Thou  hast  told 
her. 
And,  able  to  hold  as  much  more,  can  but  grieve; 
She  could  hold  Thy  grand   Self,   Lord!   if  Thou 
wouldst  reveal  it, 
And  love  makes  her  long  to  have  more  to  believe. 


420  THE  OLD  LABORER. 


128. 

THE  OLD  LABORER. 

L 

What  end  doth  he  fulfil? 

He  seems  without  a  will, 
Stupid,  unhelpful,  helpless,  age-worn  man ! 

He  hath  let  the  years  pass ; 

He  hath  toiled,  and  heard  Mass, 
Done  what  he  could,  and  now  does  what  he  can. 

2. 

And  this  forsooth  is  all ! 

A  plant  or  animal 
Hath  a  more  positive  work  to  do  than  he : 

Along  his  daily  beat. 

Delighting  in  the  heat. 
He  crawls  in  sunshine  which  he  does  not  see. 

3. 

What  doth  God  get  from  him  ? 

His  very  mind  is  dim, 
Too  weak  to  love,  and  too  obtuse  to  fear. 

Is  there  glory  in  his  strife? 

Is  there  meaning  in  his  life  ? 
C'an  God  hold  such  a  thing-like  person  dear  ? 


THE  OLD  LABORER.  421 


4. 


Peace  !  he  is  dying  now ; 

No  light  is  on  his  brow ; 
He  makes  no  sign,  but  without  sign  departs. 

The  poor  die  often  so, — 

And  yet  they  long  to  go, 
To  take  to  God  their  over- weighted  hearts. 

5. 

Born  only  to  endure, 

The  patient  passive  poor 
Seem  useful  chiefly  by  their  multitude ; 

For  they  are  men  who  keep 

Their  lives  secret  and  deep ; 
Alas  !  the  poor  are  seldom  understood. 

6. 

This  laborer  that  is  gone 

Was  childless  and  alone, 
And  homeless  as  his  Saviour  was  before  him ; 

He  told  in  no  man's  ear 

His  longing,  love  or  fear, 
Nor  what  he  thought  of  life  as  it  passed  o'er  him. 

7. 

He  had  so  long  been  old. 

His  heart  was  close  and  cold ; 
He  had  no  love  to  take,  no  love  to  give : 

Men  almost  wished  him  dead ; 

'Twas  best  for  him,  they  said  ; 
'Twas  such  a  weary  sight  to  see  him  live, 

36 


422  THE  OLD  LABORER. 

8. 

He  walked  with  jminful  stoop, 

As  if  life  made  him  droop, 
And  care  had  fastened  fetters  round  his  feet ; 

He  saw  no  bright  blue  sky, 

Except  what  met  his  eye 
Reflected  from  the  rain-pools  in  the  street. 

9. 

To  whom  was  he  of  good? 

He  slept  and  he  took  food. 
He  used  the  earth  and  air,  and  kindled  fire : 

He  bore  to  talve  relief,  , 

Less  as  a  right  than  grief; — 
To  what  might  such  a  soul  as  his  aspire  ? 

10. 

His  inexpressive  eye 

Peered  round  him  vacantly, 
As  if  whatever  he  did  he  would  be  chidden ; 

He  seemed  a  mere  growth  of  earth; 

Yet  even  he  had  mirth, 
As  the  great  angels  have,  untold  and  hidden. 

11. 

Alway  his  downcast  eye 

Was  laughing  silently. 
As  if  he  found  some  jubilee  in  thinking; 

For  his  one  thought  was  God, 

In  that  one  thought  he  abode, 
For  ever  in  that  thought  more  deeply  sinking. 


THE  EMIGRANTS  SONG.  423 

12. 

Thus  did  he  live  his  life, 

A  kind  of  passive  strife, 
Upon  the  God  within  his  heart  relying ; 

Men  left  him  all  alone, 

Because  he  was  unknown, 
But  he  heard  the  angels  sing  when  he  was  dying. 

13. 

God  judges  by  a  light, 

Which  baffles  mortal  sight. 
And  the  useless-seeming  man  the  crown  hath  won : 

In  His  vast  world  above, 

A  world  of  broader  love, 
God  hath  some  grand  employment  for  His  son. 


129. 

THE  EMIGRANT'S  SONG. 

1. 

Alas  !  o'er  Erin's  lessening  shor^ 

The  flush  of  day  is  fading, 
And  coldly  round  us  ocean  roars. 

The  exiled  heart  upbraiding. 
It  tells  of  those  whose  pining  love 

Must  cross  the  seas  to  find  us, 
And  of  the  dead  at  peace  above. 

Whose  graves  we  leave  behind  us. 


424  THE  EMIGRANT'S  SONG. 

2. 

Ah  !  we  shall  meet  no  green  like  thine, 

Erin !  where  we  are  going  : 
No  waters  to  our  eyes  can  shine 

Like  Shannon  proudly  flowing; 
No  sea-bays  we  can  love  so  well 

As  that  round  Cove  extending, 
No  fragrance  like  the  peat-fire's  smell 

In  evening's  calm  ascending. 

3. 

Poor  heart!  God  knows  how  sore  and  long 

The  fight  hath  been  within  it; 
The  battle  lies  not  with  the  strong, 

Or  our  love  of  home  might  win  it : 
We  could  not  bear  from  wife's  dear  eyes 

Each  day  to  miss  the  shining, 
As  oft  she  strove  to  hush  the  cries 

Of  babes  in  famine  pining. 

4. 

The  very  joy  of  all  this  earth, 

The  blessed  name  of  Jesus, 
They  turned  what  was  our  holiest  mirth 

To  Satan's  snare  to  tease  us. 
He  sent  his  troops,  with  food  in  hand, 

To  their  false  faith  to  woo  us ; 
To  take  the  blessing  from  our  land, 

And  eternally  undo  us.. 


MUSIC.  425 


5. 


*Twas  hard  to  watch  the  wastuig  child, 

Nor  take  the  bribe  thus  given  ; 
Ah,  me !  a  father's  heart  gone  wild, 

For  earth  might  barter  heaven  : 
The  men  of  stone,  they  watched  their  hour, 

Darkness  and  lip-ht  were  strivinor-  • 
But  Jesus  tempered  hunger's  power, 

We  conquered  and  are  living. 

6. 

And  now  into  that  sunset  far 

Across  the  western  waters, 
Freedom  of  faith  and  plenty's  star 

Lead  Erin's  sons  and  daughters. 
Dear  friends  at  home !  whene'er  ye  grieve, 

Prayer  o'er  the  sea  can  find  us, 
And  to  our  native  land  we  leave 

Blessing  and  love  behind  us. 


130. 

MUSIC. 

1. 

That  music  breathes  all  through  my  spirit. 
As  the  breezes  blow  throuo-h  a  tree ; 

And  my  soul  gives  light  as  it  quivers, 
Like  moons  on  a  tremulous  sea. 
36* 


426  MUSIC, 


2. 


New  passions  are  wakened  within  me, 
New  passions  that  have  not  a  name ; 

Dim  truths  that  I  knew  but  as  phantoms 
Stand  up  clear  and  bright  in  the  flame, 

3. 

And  my  soul  is  possessed  with  yearnings 
Which  make  my  life  broaden  and  swell ; 

And  I  hear  strange  things  that  are  soundless. 
And  I  see  the  invisible. 

4. 

Oh  silence  that  clarion  in  mercy, — 

For  it  carries  my  soul  away ; 
And  it  whirls  my  thoughts  out  beyond  me, 

Like  the  leaves  on  an  autumn  day. 

6. 

O  exquisite  tyranny  !  silence, — 

My  soul  slips  from  under  my  hand, 

And  as  if  by  instinct  is  fleeing 
To  a  dread  unvisitcd  land. 

6. 

Is  it  sound,  or  fragrance,  or  vision  ? 

Vocal  light  wavering  down  from  above? 
Past  prayer  and  past  praise  I  am  floating 

Down  the  rapids  of  speechless  love. 


MUSIC.  427 


7. 


I  strove,  but  the  sweet  sounds  have  conquered 

Within  me  the  Past  is  awake ; 
The  Present  is  grandly  transfigured ; 

The  Future  is  clear  as  day-break. 

8. 

Now  Past,  Present,  Future  have  mingled 

A  new  sort  of  Present  to  make ; 
And  my  life  is  all  disembodied, 

Without  time,  without  space,  without  break. 

9. 

But  my  soul  seems  floating  for  ever 

In  an  orb  of  ravishing  sounds, 
Through  faint-falling  echoes  of  heavens 

Mid  beautiful  earths  without  bounds. 

10. 

Now  sighing,  as  zephyrs  in  summer, 
The  concords  glide  in  like  a  stream, 

With  a  sound  that  is  almost  a  silence, 
Or  the  soundless  sounds  in  a  dream. 

11. 

Then  oft,  when  the  music  is  faintest. 
My  soul  has  a  storm  in  its  bowers. 

Like  the  thunder  among  ih^  mountains. 
Like  the  wind  in  the  abbey  towers. 


428  MUSIC. 


12. 


There  are  sounds,  like  flakes  of  snow  falling 
In  their  silent  and  eddying  rings ; 

We  tremble, — they  touch  us  so  lightly, 
Like  the  feathers  from  angels'  wings. 

13. 

There  are  pauses  of  marvellous  silence, 
That  are  full  of  significant  sound, 

Like  music  echoing  music 

Under  water  or  under  ground. 

14. 

That  clarion  again !  through  what  valleys 
Of  deep  inward  life  did  it  roll, 

Ere  it  blew  that  astonishing  trumpet 
Right  down  in  the  caves  of  my  soul  ? 

15. 

My  mind  is  bewildered  with  echoes, — 
Not  all  from  the  sweet  sounds  without; 

But  spirits  are  answering  spirits 
In  a  beautiful  muffled  shout. 

16. 

Oh  cease  then,  wild  Horns!  I  am  fainting; 

If  ye  wail  so,  my  heart  will  break ; 
Some  one  speaks  to  me  in  your  speaking 

In  a  language  I  cannot  speak. 


MUSIC,  429 


17. 


Though  the  sounds  ye  make  are  all  foreign, 
How  native,  how  household  they  are ; 

The  tones  of  old  homes  mixed  with  heaven, 
The  dead  and  the  angels,  speak  there. 

18. 

Dear  voices  that  long  have  been  silenced, 
Come  clear  from  their  peaceful  land, 

Come  toned  with  unspeakable  sweetness 
From  the  Presence  in  which  they  stand. 

19. 

Or  is  music  the  inarticulate 
Speech  of  the  angels  on  earth? 

Or  the  voice  of  the  Undiscovered 
Bringing  great  truths  to  the  birth  ? 

20. 

O  music  !  thou  surely  art  worship  ; 

But  thou  art  not  like  praise  or  prayer ; 
And  words  make  better  thanksgiving 

Than  thy  sweet  melodies  are. 

21. 

There  is  in  thee  another  worship, 
An  outflow  of  something  divine  ; 

For  the  voice  of  adoring  silence, 
If  it  could  be  a  voice,  were  thine. 


430  THE  STARE  Y  SKIES. 

22. 

Thou  art  fugitive  splendors  made  vocal, 
As  they  glanced  from  that  sliining  sea, 

Where  the  Vision  is  visible  music, 
Making  music  of  spirits  who  see. 

23. 

Thou,  Lord  !  art  the  Father  of  music ; 

Sweet  sounds  are  a  whisper  from  Thee ; 
Thou  hast  made  Thy  creation  all  anthems, 

Though  it  singeth  them  silently. 

24. 

But  I  guess  by  the  stir  of  this  music 
What  raptures  in  heaven  can  be, 

Where  the  sound  is  Thy  marvellous  stillness, 
And  the  music  is  light  out  of  Thee. 


131. 

THE  STARRY  SKIES. 

1. 

The  starry  skies,  they  rest  my  soul, 

Its  chains  of  care  unbind, 
And  witli  the  dew  of  coolinir  thou^-hts 

Refresh  my  sultry  mind. 


THE  STARRY  SKIES.  431 


2. 


And,  like  a  bird  amidst  the  boughs, 

I  rest,  and  sing,  and  rest, 
Among  those  bright  dissevered  worlds^ 

As  safe  as  in  a  nest. 

3. 

And  oft  I  think  the  starry  sprays 
Swing  with  me  where  I  light. 

While  brighter  branches  lure  me  o'er 
New  gulfs  of  purple  night. 

4. 

Yes,  something  draws  me  upward  there 
As  morning  draws  the  lark ; 

Only  my  spell,  whate'er  it  is, 
Works  better  in  the  dark. 

5. 

It  is  as  if  a  home  was  there. 
To  which  my  soul  was  turnirag, 

A  home  not  seen,  but  nightly  proved 
By  a  mysterious  yearaing. 

6. 

It  seems  as  if  no  actual  space 

Could  hold  it  in  its  bond ; 
Thought  climbs  its  highest,  still  it  is 

Always  beyond,  beyond. 


432  THE  STARRY  SKIES. 

7. 

Eartli  never  feels  like  home,  tlioiigh  fresh 

And  full  its  tide  of  mirth  ; 
No  glorious  change  we  can  conceive 

Would  make  a  home  of  earth. 

8. 

But  God  alone  can  be  a  home ; 

And  His  sweet  Vision  lies 
Somewhere  in  that  soft  gloom  concealed, 

Beyond  the  starry  skies. 

9. 

So,  as  if  waiting  for  a  voice, 

Nightly  I  gaze  and  sigh, 
While  the  stars  look  at  me  silently 

Out  of  their  silent  sky, 

10. 

How  have  I  erred  !   God  is  my  home, 

And  God  Himself  is  here ; 
Why  have  I  looked  so  far  for  Him 

Who  is  nowhere  but  near  ? 

11. 

Oh  not  in  distant  starry  skies, 

In  vastness  not  abroad. 
But  everywhere  in  His  whole  Self 

Abides  the  whole  of  God. 


THE  STARRY  SKIES.  433 


12. 


In  golden  presence  not  diffused, 
Not  in  vague  fields  of  bliss, 

But  whole  in  every  present  point 
The  Godhead  simply  is. 


13. 


Down  in  earth's  duskiest  vales,  wherever 

My  pilgrimage  may  be, 
Thou,  Lord  !  wilt  be  a  ready  home 

Always  at  hand  for  me. 


14. 


I  spake  :  but  God  was  nowhere  seen  ; 

Was  His  love  too  tired  to  wait  ? 
Ah  no !  my  own  unsimple  love 

Hath  often  made  me  late. 


15. 


How  often  things  already  won 

It  urges  me  to  win, 
How  often  makes  me  look  outside 

For  that  which  is  within ! 


16. 


Our  souls  go  too  much  out  of  self 
Into  ways  dark  and  dim  : 

'Tis  rather  God  who  seeks  for  us, 
Than  we  who  seek  for  Him 
37 


434  THE  STARRY  SKIES, 

17. 

Yet  surely  through  my  tears  I  saw 
God  softly  drawing  near  ; 

How  came  He  without  sight  or  sound 
So  soon  to  disappear  ? 

18. 

God  was  not  gone :  but  He  so  longed 

His  sweetness  to  impart, 
He  too  was  seeking  for  a  home. 

And  found  it  in  my  heart. 

19, 

Twice  had  I  erred  :  a  distant  God 
"Was  what  I  could  not  bear ; 

Sorrows  and  cares  were  at  my  side; 
I  longed  to  have  Him  there. 

20. 

But  God  is  never  so  far  off 

As  even  to  be  near ; 
He  is  within  :  our  spirit  is 

The  home  He  holds  most  dear. 

21. 

To  think  of  Him  as  by  our  side 

Is  almost  as  untrue, 
As  to  remove  His  throne  beyond 

Those  skies  of  starry  blue. 


THE  SORRO  WFUL   WORLD.  435 


22. 


So  all  the  while  I  thought  myself 
Homeless,  forlorn,  and  weary. 

Missing  my  joy,  I  walked  the  earth 
Myself  God's  sanctuary. 


132. 

THE  SOEROWFUL  WOELD. 

1. 

I  heard  the  wild  beasts  in  the  woods  complain ; 
Some  slept,  while  others  wakened  to  sustain 
Through  night  and  day  the  sad  monotonous  round, 
Half  savage  and  half  pitiful  the  sound. 

2. 

The  outcry  rose  to  God  through  all  the  air, 
The  worship  of  distress,  an  animal  prayer, 
Loud  vehement  pleadings,  not  unlike  to  those 
Job  uttered  in  his  agony  of  woes. 

3. 

The  very  pauses,  when  they  came,  were  rife 
With  sickening  sounds  of  too  successful  strife, 
As,  when  the  clash  of  battle  dies  away. 
The  groans  of  night  succeed  the  shrieks  of  day. 


436  THE  SORROWFUL   WORLD. 

4. 

Man's  scent  the  untamed  creatures  scarce  can  bear, 

As  if  his  tainted  blood  defiled  the  air ; 

In  the  vast  woods  they  fret  as  in  a  cage, 

Or  fly  in  fear,  or  gnash  their  teeth  with  rage. 

5. 

The  beasts  of  burden  linger  on  their  way, 
Like  slaves  who  will  not  speak  when  they  obey ; 
Their  faces,  when  their  looks  to  us  they  raise. 
With  something  of  reproachful  patience  gaze. 

6. 

All  creatures  round  us  seem  to  disapprove ; 
Their  eyes  discomfort  us  with  lack  of  love ; 
Our  very  rights,  with  signs  like  these  alloyed, 
Not  without  sad  misgivings  are  enjoyed. 

7. 

Earth  seems  to  make  a  sound  in  places  lone, 
Sleeps  through  the  day,  but  wakes  at  night  to  moan, 
Shunning  our  confidence,  as  if  we  were 
A  guilty  burden  it  could  hardly  bear. 

8. 

The  winds  can  never  sing  but  they  must  wail; 
Waters  lift  up  sad  voices  in  the  vale ; 
One*mountain-hollow  to  another  calls 
With  broken  cries  of  plaining  waterfalls. 


THE  SORROWFUL  WORLD.  437 

9. 

Silence  itself  is  but  a  heaviness, 
As  if  the  earth  were  fainting  in  distress, 
Like  one  who  wakes  at  night  in  panic  fears. 
And  nought  but  his  own  beating  pulses  hears. 

10. 

Inanimate  things  can  rise  into  despair ; 
And,  when  the  thunders  bellow  in  the  air, 
Amid  the  mountains,  earth  sends  forth  a  cry, 
Like  dying  monsters  in  their  agony. 

11. 

The  sea,  unmated  creature,  tired  and  lone. 
Makes  on  its  desolate  sands  eternal  moan  : 
Lakes  on  the  calmest  days  are  ever  throbbing 
Upon  their  pebbly  shores  with  petulant  sobbing. 

12. 

O'er  the  white  waste,  cold  grimly  overawes 
And  hushes  life  beneath  its  merciless  laws  ; 
Invisible  heat  drops  down  from  tropic  skies, 
And  o'er  the  land,  like  an  oppression  lies. 

13. 

The  clouds  in  heaven  their  placid  motions  borrow 
From  the  funereal  tread  of  men  in  sorrow ; 
Or,  when  they  scud  across  the  stormy  day, 
Mimic  the  flight  of  hosts  in  disarray. 
37* 


438  THE  SORROWFUL  WORLD. 

14. 

Mostly  men's  many-featured  faces  wear 
Looks  of  fixed  gloom,  or  else  of  restless  care ; 
The  very  babes,  that  in  their  cradles  lie, 
Out  of  the  depths  of  unknown  troubles  cry. 

15. 

Labor  itself  is  but  a  sorrowful  song, 

The  protest  of  the  weak  against  the  strong ; 

Over  rough  waters,  and  in  obstinate  fields. 

And  from  dank  mines,  the  same  sad  sound  it  yields. 

16. 

0  God  !  the  fountain  of  perennial  gladness  ! 
Thy  whole  creation  overflows  with  sadness ; 
Sights,  sounds,  are  full  of  sorrow  and  alarm ; 
Even  sweet  scents  have  but  a  pensive  charm. 

17. 

Doth  earth  send  nothing  up  to  Thee  but  moans  ? 
Father !  canst  Thou  find  melody  in  groans  ? 
Oh  can  it  be,  that  Thou,  the  God  of  bliss, 
Canst  feed  Thy  glory  on  a  world  like  this  ? 

18. 

Ah  me  !  that  sin  should  have  such  chemic  power 
To  turn  to  dross  the  gold  of  nature's  dower, 
And  straightway,  of  its  single  self,  unbind 
The  eternal  vision  of  Thy  jubilant  Mind ! 


THE  SORROWFUL  WORLD.  439 


19. 


Alas  !  of  all  this  sorrow  there  is  need ; 
For  us  earth  weeps,  for  us  the  creatures  bleed  : 
Thou  art  content,  if  all  this  woe  imparts 
The  sense  of  exile  to  repentant  hearts. 

20. 

Yes  !  it  is  well  for  us  :  from  these  alarms, 
Like  children  scared,  we  fly  into  Thine  arms ; 
And  pressing  sorrows  put  our  pride  to  rout 
With  a  swift  faith  which  has  not  time  to  doubt. 

21. 

We  cannot  herd  in  peace  with  wild  beasts  rude; 
We  dare  not  live  in  nature's  solitude ; 
In  how  few  eyes  of  men  can  we  behold 
Enough  of  love  to  make  us  calm  and  bold  ? 

22. 

Oh  it  is  well  for  us :  with  angry  glance 
Life  glares  at  us,  or  looks  at  us  askance : 
Seek  where  we  will, — Father !  we  see  it  now, — 
None  love  us,  trust  us,  welcome  us,  but  Thou  \ 


440  AUTUMN. 


133. 

AUTUMN. 
1. 

Autumn  once  more  begins  to  teach  ; 

Sere  1  'iives  their  annual  sermon  preach 

And  with  the  southward-slipping  sun 

Another  stage  of  life  is  done. 

The  day  is  of  a  paler  hue, 

The  night  is  of  a  darker  blue, 

Just  as  it  was  a  year  ago ; 

For  time  runs  fast,  but  grace  is  slow ! 

2. 

Life  glides  away  in  many  a  bend, 
In  chapters  which  begin  and  end ; 
Each  has  its  trial,  each  its  grace. 
Each  in  life's  whole  its  proper  place. 
Life  has  its  joinings  and  its  breaks. 
But  each  transition  swiftly  takes 
Us  nearer  to  or  further  from 
The  threshold  of  our  heavenly  home. 

3. 

Years  pass  away ;  new  crosses  come; 
Past  sorrow  is  a  sort  of  home, 
An  exile's  home,  and  only  lent 
For  needful  rest  in  banishment. 
It  narrows  life,  and  Avails  it  in, 
And  shuts  the  door  on  many  a  sin ; 
'Tis  almost  like  a  calm  fireside. 
Where  hnniblf'd  licarts  are  fain  to  bide. 


AUTUMN.  441 


4. 


Thou  comest,  Autumn,  to  unlade 
Thy  wealthy  freight  of  summer  shade, 
Still  sorrowful  as  in  past  years, 
Yet  mild  and  sunny  in  thy  tears, 
Ripening  and  hardening  all  thy  growth 
Of  solid  wood,  yet  nothing  loth 
To  waste  upon  the  frolic  breeze 
Thy  leaves,  like  flights  of  golden  bees. 

6. 

Have  I  laid  by  from  summer  hours 
Ripe  fruits  as  well  as  leaves  and  flowers? 
Hath  my  past  year  a  growth  to  harden, 
As  well  as  fewer  sins  to  pardon? 
Is  God  in  all  things  more  and  more 
A  king  within  me  than  before  ? 
I  know  not,  yet  one  change  hath  come, — 
The  world  feels  less  and  less  a  home. 

6. 

]\Iy  soul  appears,  as  E  get  old. 
More  prompt  in  act,  in  prayer  less  cold ; 
Crosses,  from  use,  more  lightly  press ; 
Mirth  is  more  purely  weariness ; 
With  less  to  quarrel  with  in  life, 
I  grow  less  patient  with  its  strife ; 
I  wish  more  simply.  Lord !  to  be. 
Ailing  or  well,  always  with  Thee ! 


Ipart  Scventb. 


HYMNS    134  —  150. 


THE  LAST  THINGS. 


134. 

THE  MEMORY  OF  THE  DEAD. 

1. 

Oh  it  is  sweet  to  think, 

Of  those  that  are  departed, 
While  murmured  Aves  sink 

To  silence  tender-hearted, 
While  tears  that  have  no  pain 

Are  tranquilly  distilling, 
And  the  dead  live  ao;ain 

In  hearts  that  love  is  filling. 


Yet  not  as  in  the  days 

Of  earthly  ties  we  love  them ; 
For  they  are  touched  with  rays 

From  light  that  is  above  them  : 
Another  sweetness  shines 

Around  their  well-known  features ; 
God  w^ith  His  glory  signs 

His  dearly  ransomed  creatures. 

3. 

Yes,  they  are  more  our  own, 
Since  now  they  are  God's  only ; 

And  each  one  that  has  gone 
Has  left  our  heart  less  lonely. 

38  445 


446  THE  MEMORY  OF  THE  DEAD. 

He  mourns  not  seasons  fled, 
Who  now  in  Him  possesses 

Treasures  of  many  dead 

In  their  dear  Lord's  caresses. 

4. 

Dear  dead !  they  have  become 

Like  guardian  angels  to  us ; 
And  distant  heaven  like  home, 

Through  them  begins  to  woo  us; 
Love,  that  was  earthly,  wings 

Its  flight  to  holier  places ; 
The  dead  are  sacred  things 

That  multiply  our  graces. 

5. 

They  whom  we  love  on  earth 

Attract  us  now  to  heaven  ; 
Who  shared  our  grief  and  mirth 

Back  to  us  now  are  given. 
They  move  with  noiseless  foot 

Gravely  and  sweetly  round  us, 
And  their  soft  touch  hath  cut 

Full  many  a  chain  that  bound  us. 

6. 

O  dearest  dead  !  to  heaven 

With  grudging  sighs  we  gave  you, 

To  Him — be  doubts  forgiven ! 

Who  took  you  there  to  save  you  : — 


THE  ETERNAL  YEARS,  447 

Now  get  us  grace  to  love 

Your  memories  yet  more  kindly, 

Pine  for  our  homes  above, 

And  trust  to  God  more  blindly. 


135. 

THE  ETERNAL  YEARS. 

1. 

How  shalt  thou  bear  the  Cross  that  now 

So  dread  a  weight  appears  ? 
Keep  quietly  to  God,  and  think 

Upon  the  Eternal  Years, 

2. 

Austerity  is  little  help, 

Although  it  somewhat  cheers ; 

Thine  oil  of  gladness  is  the  thought 
Of  the  Eternal  Years. 

3. 

Set  hours  and  written  rule  are  good, 
Long  prayer  can  lay  our  fears : 

But  it  is  better  calm  for  thee 
To  count  the  Eternal  Years. 


448  THE  ETERNAL  YEARS. 

4. 

Kites  are  as  balm  unto  the  eyes, 
God's  word  unto  the  ears  : 

But  He  will  have  thee  rather  brood 
Upon  the  Eternal  Years. ^ 

5. 

Full  many  things  are  good  for  souls 
In  proper  times  and  spheres  ;  . 

Thy  present  good  is  in  the  thought 
Of  the  Eternal  Years. 

6. 

Thy  self-upbraiding  is  a  snare, 
Though  meekness  it  appears ; 

More  humbling  is  it  far  for  thee, 
To  face  the  Eternal  Years. 

7. 

Brave  quiet  is  the  thing  for  thee, 
Chiding  thy  scrupulous  fears ; 

Learn  to  be  real,  from  the  thought 
Of  the  Eternal  Years. 

8. 

Bear  gently,  suffer  like  a  child, 
1!^  or  be  ashamed  of  tears ; 

Kiss  the  sweet  Cross,  and  in  thy  heart 
Sing  of  the  Eternal  Years. 


THE  ETERNAL  YEARS,  449 

9. 

Thy  Cross  is  quite  enough  for  thee, 

Though  little  it  appears  ; 
For  there  is  hid  in  it  the  weight 

Of  the  Eternal  Years. 

10. 

And  knowst  thou  not  how  bitterness 

An  ailing  spirit  cheers  ? 
Thy  medicine  is  the  strengthening  thought 

Of  the  Eternal  Years. 

11. 

One  Cross  can  sanctify  a  soul ; 

Late  saints  and  ancient  seers 
Were  what  they  were,  because  they  mused 

Upon  the  Eternal  Years. 

12. 

Pass  not  from  flower  to  pretty  flower ; 

Time  flies,  and  judgment  nears; 
Go  !  make  thy  honey  from  the  thought 

Of  the  Eternal  Years. 

13. 

Death  will  have  rainbows  round  it,  seen 
Through  calm  contrition's  tears, 

If  tranquil  hope  but  trims  her  lamp 
At  the  Eternal  years. 

38* 


450  AFTER  A  DEATH. 


14. 


Keep  unconstraln'dly  in  this  thought, 
Thy  loves,  hopes,  smiles,  and  tears; 

Such  prison-house  thine  heart  will  make 
Free  of  the  Eternal  Years. 


15. 

A  single  practice  long  sustained 

A  soul  to  God  endears : 
This  must  be  thine — to  weigh  the  thought 

Of  the  Eternal  Years. 


16. 

He  practises  all  virtue  well, 
Who  his  own  Cross  reveres. 

And  lives  in  the  familiar  thought 
Of  the  Eternal  Years, 


136. 

AFTER  A  DEATH. 

1. 

The  grief  that  was  delayed  so  long, 
O  Lord  !  hath  come  at  last ; 

Blest  be  Thy  Name  for  present  pain, 
And  for  the  weary  past ! 


AFTER  A  DEATH.  451 


2. 


Yet,  Father !  I  have  looked  so  long 

Upon  the  coming  grief, 
That  what  should  grieve  my  heart  the  most 

Seems  almost  like  relief. 

3. 

Alas  !  then,  did  I  love  the  dead 

As  well  as  he  loved  me? 
Or  have  I  sought  myself  alone 

Eather  than  him,  or  Thee  ? 

4. 

To  fear  is  harder  than  to  weep. 

To  watch  than  to  endure ; 
The  hardest  of  all  griefs  to  bear 

Is  a  grief  that  is  not  sure. 

5. 

As  on  a  watchtower  did  I  stand, 

Like  one  that  looks  in  fear. 
And  sees  an  overwhelming  host 

O'er  hill  and  dale  draw  near. 

6. 

The  bitterness  each  day  brought  forth 

Was  more  than  I  could  bear, 
And  hope's  uncertainty  was  worse 

Than  positive  despair. 


452  AFTER  A  DEATH. 

7. 

I  grew  more  unprepared  for  grief 
Which  had  so  long  been  stayed  ; 

The  blow  seemed  more  impossible 
The  more  it  was  delayed. 

8. 

Yes !  the  most  sudden  of  our  griefs 
Are  those  which  travel  slow ; 

The  longer  warning  that  it  gives 
The  deeper  is  the  woe. 

9. 

To  look  a  sorrow  in  the  face 
False  magnitude  imparts  ; 

All  sorrows  look  immensely  large 
Unto  our  little  hearts. 

10. 

But  to  look  long  upon  a  grief, 
Which  is  so  long  in  sight, 

Unmans  the  heart  more  terribly 
Than  a  sudden  death  at  night. 

11. 

A  swift  and  unexpected  blow, 
If  hard  to  bear,  is  brief; 

But  oh  !  it  is  less  sudden  far 
Than  a  quiet  creeping  grief. 


AFTER  A   DEATH.  453 


12. 


Least  griefs  are  more  than  we  can  bear, 
Each  worse  than  those  before  ; 

Our  OAvn  griefs  always  greater  griefs 
Than  those  our  fathers  bore. 

13. 

The  griefs  we  have  to  bear  alone, 
The  griefs  that  we  can  share, 

Our  single  griefs,  our  crowded  griefs, — 
Which  are  the  worst  to  bear  ? 

14. 

Yet  all  are  less  than  our  deserts ; 

Within  our  grace  they  lie ; 
The  sorrows  we  exaggerate 

We  cannot  sanctify. 

15. 

Dear  Lord !  in  all  our  loneliest  pains 
Thou  hast  the  largest  share, 

And  that  which  is  unbearable 
'Tis  Thine,  not  ours,  to  bear. 

16. 

How  merciful  Thine  anger  is, 

How  tender  it  can  be, 
How  wonderful  all  sorrows  are 

Which  come  direct  from  Thee  ! 


454  AFTER  A  DEATH. 


17. 


Years  fly,  O  Lord  !  and  every  year 

^lore  desolate  I  grow ; 
My  world  of  friends  thins  round  me  fast, 

Love  after  love  lies  low. 

18. 

There  are  fresh  gaps  around  the  hearth, 

Old  places  left  unfilled. 
And  young  liv^es  quenched  before  the  old. 

And  the  love  of  old  hearts  chilled : 

19. 

D^ar  voices  and  dear  faces  missed, 
Sweet  households  overthrown. 

And  what  is  left  more  sad  to  see 
Than  the  sight  of  what  has  gone. 

20. 

All  this  is  to  be  sanctified, 

This  rupture  with  the  past ; 
For  thus  we  die  before  our  deaths, 

And  so  die  well  at  last. 


THE  PILGRIMS  OF  THE  NIGHT,  455 


137. 

THE  PILGRIMS  OF  THE  NIGHT. 

1. 

Hark !  hark  !  my  soul !  angelic  songs  are  swelling 
O'er  earth's  green   fields   and   ocean's  wave-beat 
shore ; 
How   sweet   the    truth    those    blessed    strains   are 
telling 
Of  that  new  life  when  sin  shall  be  no  more ! 
Angels  of  Jesus, 

Angels  of  light, 
Singing  to  welcome 

The  pilgrims  of  the  night ! 

2. 

Darker  than  night  life's  shadows  fall  around  us, 
And,  like  benighted  men,  we  miss  our  mark ; 
God  hides  Himself,  and  grace  hath  scarcely  found 
us. 
Ere  death  finds  out  his  victims  in  the  dark, 
Angels  of  Jesus, 

Angels  of  light, 
Singing  to  welcome 

The  pilgrims  of  the  night ! 


456  THE  PILGRIMS  OF  THE  NIGHT. 

3. 

Onward  we  go,  for  still  we  hear  them  singing, 

Come,  weary  souls  !  for  Jesus  bids  you  come ! 
And  through  the  dark,  its  echoes  sweetly  ringing. 
The  music  of  the  Gospel  leads  us  home. 
Angels  of  Jesus, 

Angels  of  light. 
Singing  to  welcome 

The  pilgrims  of  the  night ! 

4. 

Far,  far  away,  like  bells  at  evening  pealing, 

The  voice  of  Jesus  sounds  o'er  land  and  sea 
And  laden  souls,  by  thousands  meekly  stealing. 
Kind  Shepherd  !  turn  their  w^eary  steps  to  Thee. 
Angels  of  Jesus, 

Angels  of  light, 
Singing  to  welcome 

The  pilgrims  of  the  night ! 

5. 

Rest   comes   at   length ;   though  life   be   long   and 
dreary. 
The  day  must  dawn,  and  darksome  night  be  past ; 
All  journeys  end  in  welcomes  to  the  weary. 
And  heaven,  the  heart's  true  home,  will  come  at 
last. 

Angels  of  Jesus, 

Angels  of  light. 
Singing  to  welcome 

The  pilgrims  of  the  night ! 


WISHES  ABOUT  DEATH.  457 

6. 

Cheer  up,  my  soul !  faith's  moonbeams  softly  glisten 

Upon  the  breast  of  life's  most  troubled  sea ; 
And  it  will  cheer  thy  drooping  heart  to  listen 

To  those  brave  songs  which  angels  mean  for  thee. 
Angels  of  Jesus, 

Angels  of  light, 
Singing  to  welcome 

The  pilgrims  of  the  night ! 

7. 

Angels  !  sing  on,  your  faithful  watches  keeping, 
Sing  us  sweet  fragments  of  the  songs  above; 
While  we  toil  on,  and  soothe  ourselves  with  weeping, 
Till  life's  long  night  shall  break  in  endless  love. 
Angels  of  Jesus, 

Angels  of  light, 
Singing  to  welcome 

The  pilgrims  of  the  night ! 


138. 

WISHES  ABOUT  DEATH. 

1. 

I  wish  to  have  no  wishes  left, 

Bat  to  leave  all  to  Thee ; 
And  yet  I  wish  that  Thou  shouldst  will 

Things  that  I  wish  should  be. 

39 


458  WISHES  ABOUT  DEATH. 

2. 

And  these  two  wills  I  feel  within, 
When  on  my  death  I  muse : 

But,  Lord !  I  have  a  death  to  die, 
And  not  a  death  to  choose. 

3. 

Why  should  I  choose  ?  for  in  Thy  love 

Most  surely  I  descry 
A  gentler  death  than  I  myself 

Should  dare  to  ask  to  die. 

4. 

But  Thou  wilt  not  disdain  to  hear 
AVhat  those  few  wishes  are, 

Which  I  abandon  to  Thy  love, 
And  to  Thy  wiser  care. 

5. 

Triumphant  death  I  would  not  ask. 

Rather  would  deprecate ; 
For  dying  souls  deceive  themselves 

Soonest  when  most  elate. 

6. 

All  graces  I  would  crave  to  have 
Calmly  absorbed  in  one, — 

A  perfect  sorrow  for  my  sins, 
And  duties  left  undone. 


WISHES  ABOUT  DEATH.  459 

7. 

All  Sacraments  and  church -blest  things 

I  fain  would  have  around, 
A  priest  beside  me,  and  the  hope 

Of  consecrated  ground. 

8. 

But,  most  of  all,  Thy  IMother,  Lord  ! 

I  long  to  have  with  me, 
With  all  her  nameless  offices 

Around  my  bed  to  be. 

9. 

I  would  the  light  of  reason.  Lord ! 

Up  to  the  last  might  shine. 
That  my  own  hands  might  hold  my  soul 

Until  it  passed  to  Thine. 

10. 

And  I  would  pass  in  silence.  Lord  ! 

No  brave  words  on  my  lips. 
Lest  pride  should  cloud  my  soul,  and  I 

Should  die  in  the  eclipse. 

11. 

But  when,  and  where,  and  by  what  pain, — 

All  this  is  one  to  me : 
1  only  long  for  such  a  death 

As  most  shall  honor  Thee. 


460  THE  PATHS  OF  DEATH. 

12. 

Long  life  dismays  me,  by  the  sense 
Of  my  own  weakness  scared  : 

And  by  Thy  grace  a  sudden  death 
Need  not  be  unprepared. 

13. 

One  wish  is  hard  to  be  unwished, — 

That  I  at  last  might  die 
Of  grief  for  having  wronged  with  sin 

Thy  spotless  Majesty. 


139. 

THE  PATHS  OF  DEATH. 

1. 

How  pleasant  are  thy  paths,  O  Death ! 

Like  the  bright  slanting  west. 
Thou  lead  est  down  into  the  glow 
Where  all  those  heaven-bound  sunsets  go, 

Ever  from  toil  to  rest. 

2. 

How  pleasant  are  thy  paths,  O  Death  ! 

Back  to  our  own  dear  dead. 
Into  that  land  which  hides  in  tombs 
The  better  part  of  our  old  homes; 

'Tis  there  thou  mak'st  our  bed. 


THE  PATHS  OF  DEATH,  461 

3. 

How  pleasant  are  thy  paths,  O  Death  ! 

Thither  where  sorrows  cease, 
To  a  new  life,  to  an  old  past, 
Softly  and  silently  we  haste, 

Into  a  land  of  peace. 

4. 
How  pleasant  are  thy  paths,  O  Death ! 

Thy  new  restores  our  lost ; 
There  are  voices  of  the  new  times 
With  the  ringing  of  the  old  chimes 

Blent  sweetly  on  thy  coast. 

5. 
How  pleasant  are  thy  paths,  O  Death  ! 

One  faint  for  want  of  breath, — 
And  above  thy  promise  thou  hast  given  : 
All,  we  find  more  than  all  in  heaven, 

O  thou  truth-speaking  Death ! 

6. 

How  pleasant  are  thy  paths,  O  Death  ! 

E'en  children  after  play 
Lie  down,  without  the  least  alarm. 
And  sleep,  in  thy  maternal  arm, 

Their  little  life  away. 

7. 
How  pleasant  are  thy  paths,  O  Death  ! 

E'en  grown-up  men  secure 
Better  manhood,  by  a  brave  leap 
Through  the  chill  mist  of  thy  thin  sleep, — 

Manhood  that  will  endure. 

39* 


462  THE  PATHS  OF  DEATH. 

8. 

How  pleasant  are  thy  paths,  O  Death ! 

The  old,  the  very  old, 
Smile  when  their  slumberous  eye  grows  dim, 
Smile  when  they  feel  thee  touch  each  limb, 

Their  age  was  not  less  cold. 

9. 

How  pleasant  are  thy  paths,  O  Death  ! 

Ever  from  pain  to  ease  ; 
Patience,  that  hath  held  on  for  years, 
Never  unlearns  her  humble  fears 

Of  terrible  disease. 

10. 
How  pleasant  are  thy  paths,  O  Death  ! 

From  sin  to  pleasing  God ; 
For  the  pardoned  in  thy  land  are  bright 
As  innocence  in  robe  of  white, 

And  walk  on  the  same  road. 

11. 
How  pleasant  are  thy  paths,  O  Death  ! 

Straight  to  our  Father's  Home  ; 
All  loss  were  gain  that  gained  us  this, 
The  sight  of  God,  that  single  bliss 

Of  the  grand  world  to  come. 

12. 
How  pleasant  are  thy  paths,  O  Death  ! 

Ever  from  toil  to  rest, — 
"Where  a  rim  of  sea-like  splendor  runs. 
Where  the  days  bury  their  golden  suns, 

In  the  dear  hopeful  west ! 


THE  LENGTH  OF  DEATH.  463 


140. 

THE  LENGTH  OF  DEATH. 

1. 

Sweet  Saviour  !  take  me  by  the  hand, 
And  lead  me  through  the  gloom ; 

Oh  it  seems  far  to  the  Other  Land, 
And  dark  in  the  silent  tomb  ! 

2. 

I  thought  it  was  less  hard  to  die, 

A  straighter  road  to  Thee, 
With  at  least  a  twilight  in  the  sky. 

And  one  narrow  arm  of  sea. 

3. 

Saviour !  what  means  this  breadth  of  death, 

This  space  before  me  lying, 
These  deeps  where  life  so  lingereth. 

This  difficulty  of  dying  ? 

4. 

So  many  turns,  abrupt  and  rude. 

Such  ever-shifting  grounds, 
Such  a  strangely  peopled  solitude, 

Such  strangely  silent  sounds? 


464        THE  LENGTH  OF  DEATH. 

5. 

Another  hour  !  What  change  of  pain 

In  this  last  act  doth  lie  ! 
Surely  to  live  life  o'er  again 

Were  less  prolix  than  to  die. 

6. 

How  carefully  Thou  walkest,  Lord  ! 

Canst  Thou  have  cause  to  fear? 
Who  is  that  spirit  with  the  sword  ? 

Art  Thou  not  Master  here  ? 

7. 

Whom  are  we  trying  to  avoid  ? 

From  whom,  Lord !  must  we  hide  ? 
Oh  can  the  dying  be  decoyed, 

With  his  Saviour  by  his  side  ? 

8. 

Deeper  ! — Dark  !  Dark  !  But  yet  I  follow ; 

Tighten,  dear  Lord !  Thy  clasp  ! 
How  suddenly  earth  seems  to  hollow, 

There  is  nothing  left  to  grasp  ! 

9. 

I  cannot  feel  Thee  ;  art  Thou  near  ? 

It  is  all  too  dark  to  see; 
But  let  me  feel  Thee,  Saviour  dear ! 

I  can  go  on  with  Thee. 


THE  LENGTH  OF  DEATH,  4G5 

10. 

What  speed  !  How  icy-smooth  these  stones  ! 

Oh  might  we  make  less  haste  ? 
How  the  caves  echo  back  my  moans 

From  some  invisible  waste ! 

11. 

May  we  not  rest,  dear  Help  ?  Oh  no, 

Not  on  a  road  so  steep ! 
Sweet  Saviour  !  Have  we  far  to  go  ? 

Ah  how  I  long  for  sleep ! 

12. 

Loose  sand — and  all  things  sinking  !  Hark 

The  murmur  of  a  sea  ! 
Saviour !  it  is  intensely  dark ; 

Is  it  near  eternity  ? 

13. 

Can  I  fall  from  Thee  even  now  ? 

Both  hands,  dear  Lord  !  both  hands ! 
Why  dost  thou  lie  so  deep,  so  low, 

Thou  shore  of  the  Happy  Lands? 

14. 

Ah  !  death  is  very,  very  wide, 

A  land  terrible  and  dry  ; 
If  Thou,  sweet  Saviour !  hadst  not  died. 

Who  would  have  dared  to  die  ? 


166  THE  HOUSE  OF  MOURNING. 

15. 

Another  fall  ! — Surely  we  steal 

On  towards  eternity  : — 
Lord  !  Is  this  death  ? — I  only  feel 

Down  in  some  sea  with  Thee. 


141, 

THE  HOUSE  OF  MOURNING. 

1. 

Gloom  gathered  round  us  every  hour 
In  that  house  of  awful  sorrow ; 

Each  day  lay  darker  and  more  dark 
In  the  shadow  of  its  morrow. 

2. 

And  yet  no  cloud  that  came  passed  on, 

No  yesterdays  went  by ; 
'Twas  a  storm  that  gathers  without  wind, 

Until  it  chokes  the  sky. 

3. 

Time  hungered  for  some  dreadful  cliange, 
And  yet  grew  sick  with  fear, 

Impatient  at  the  slow  approach 
Of  that  which  was  too  near. 


THE  HOUSE  OF  MOURNING.  467 

4. 

But  we  never  named  what  we  most  feared ; 

It  was  only  understood ; 
And  we  lived  on  an  unspoken  faith 

That  somehow  God  was  good. 

5. 

Yes  !  God  was  good  :  on  that  one  thought 

The  whole  day  we  were  leaning  : 
Yet  we  dared  not  put  it  into  words, 

Lest  it  should  lose  its  meaning. 

6. 

Of  many  things,  of  many  wants 

We  had  to  be  reminded : 
We  felt  our  way  about  the  house 

Like  men  that  had  been  blinded. 

7. 

We  scarce  breathed  anything  but  grief: 

We  almost  held  our  breath  : 
We  were  inwardly  unmanned  and  numbed 

With  the  looking  out  for  death. 

8. 

Each  told  to  each  what  each  well  knew, 

Each  told  it  o'er  and  o'er  : 
Questions  we  asked  which  we  ourselves 

Had  answered  just  before. 


468  THE  HOUSE  OF  MOURNING, 

9. 

From  its  intensity  of  aim 

Our  own  life  aimless  seemed : 

The  very  stern  reality 

Made  us  almost  think  we  dreamed. 

10. 

The  days  could  somehow  drag  themselves, 

Like  wounded  worms  along : 
But  I  know  not  how  we  lived  those  nights, 

Save  that  God  made  us  strong. 

11. 

And  somehow  all  things  turned  to  fears ; 

And  foolish  things  became 
Fountains  of  unrefreshing  tears 

Which  burned  the  eyes  like  flame. 

12. 

Oh  what  a  life  it  was,  a  life 

Of  such  entangled  woe, 
Lilvc  the  panic  of  a  shipwrecked  crew, — 

Only  this  was  so  slow  : — 

13. 

Entangled  with  minute  details, 

Needful,  but  out  of  season, 
Yet  a  woe  of  such  simplicity 

As  almost  troubled  reason. 


THE  HOUSE  OF  MOURNING.  469 

14. 

God  shut  us  up  there  seven  long  weeks, 

As  in  some  unworldly  ark, — 
And  we  learned  what  He  had  meant  us  learn, — 

To  live  and  to  see  in  the  dark. 

15. 

Darkness  is  easier  far  to  bear 

Than  that  unrestful  gloom. 
Where  the  light  snows  in,  and  vaguely  haunts 

The  shapes  and  the  things  in  the  room. 

16. 

One  of  those  darknesses  was  this. 

In  which  God  loves  to  dwell. 
One  of  those  restful  silences 

In  which  He  is  audible. 

17. 

Slowly  light  came,  the  thinnest  dawn, 

Not  sunshine  to  our  night, 
A  new,  more  spiritual  thing, 

An  advent  of  pure  light : 

18. 

Perhaps  not  light ;  rather  the  soul 

Which  just  then  came  to  see, 
And  saw  through  its  world-darkened  life, 

And  savr  eternity. 

40 


470  THE  HOUSE  OF  MOURNING. 

19. 

0  God  !  it  was  a  time  divine, 
Rich  epoch  of  cahii  grace, 

A  pressing  of  our  hearts  to  Thine 
In  mystical  embrace. 

20. 

The  work  of  years  was  done  in  days, 
Fights  won,  and  trophies  given  : 

For  sorrow  is  the  atmosphere 
Which  ripens  hearts  for  heaven. 

21. 

1  saw  dear  souls  with  seemliest  haste 
Array  themselves  in  light. 

And  weave  themselves  angelic  robes 
Out  of  the  utter  night. 

22. 

Eternal  thoughts  in  simplest  words 
Fell  meekly  from  their  tongue. 

While  the  fragrance  of  eternity 
To  their  silent  presence  clung. 

23. 

For  monthlike  days,  for  yearlike  nights, 

I  saw  all  this  about  me : 
It  should  have  been  my  work  ;  but  God 

Had  to  do  the  work  witliout  me. 


THE  VIOLENCE  OF  GRIEF.  471 

24. 

I  only  saw  how  I  had  missed 

A  thousand  things  from  blindness, 

How  all  that  I  had  done  appeared 
Scarce  better  than  unkindness. 

25. 

How  that  to  comfort  those  that  mourn 

Is  a  thing  for  saints  to  try ; 
Yet  haply  God  might  have  done  less, 

Had  a  saint  been  there,  not  I. 

26. 

Alas  !  we  have  so  little  grace, 

With  love  so  little  burn, 
That  the  hardest  of  our  works  for  God 

Is  to  comfort  those  who  mourn. 


142. 

THE  VIOLENCE  OF  GRIEF. 

1. 

0  Merciful  Father  the  blow  that  we  feared. 
Though  for  long  it  hath  threatened  and  slowly  hath 

neared, 
Hath  come  all  at  once,  hath  too  suddenly  come, 
And  laid  waste  the  fair  garden  that  once  was  our 

home. 


472  THE  VIOLENCE  OF  GRIEF. 


2. 


We  liad  thoiiglit  to  have  borne  it  far  bettter  than 

this, 
Nor  have  grudged  to  Thy  will  our  poor  tribute  of 

bliss ; 
In  our  minds  we  had  looked  in  the  face  of  this  woe, 
And  had  fixed  how  to  kneel  to  encounter  the  blow. 

3. 

But  it  seems  as  if  sorrow  did  more  than  make  haste. 
And  had  leaped  from  the  clouds  down  upon  us  at 

last: 
And  the  grief  most   surprises,  looks  most   like   a 

wrong, 
Because  we  have  looked  for  its  coming  so  long. 

4. 

Nay,  we  fain  would  believe  that  the  blow  had  not 

come. 
That  it  was  but  a  dream,  this  dumb,  desolate  home, 
That  the  eyes  were  not  closed,  could  not  possibly 

close. 
In  the  light  of  whose  love  was  our  only  repose. 

6. 

All  grief  has  its  limits,  all  chastenings  their  pause; 
Thy  love  and  our  w^eakness  are  sorrow's  two  laws ; 
No  burdens  of  Thine  are  too  great  to  be  borne. 
Didst  Thou  know  how  this  sorrow  would  leave  us 
forlorn  ? 


THE  VIOLENCE  OF  GRIEF.  473 

6. 

AVe    had    said   we   were    ready,  whatever    should 

chance ; 
Of  our  hearts'  preparations  we  made  a  romance ; 
And   we    bade    Thee    sincerely  to    strike    at    Thy 

will ; 
Thou  hast  struck,  but  how  far  are  our  hearts  from 

being  still ! 

7. 

What  a  voiceless  despair,  what  a  tempest  of  tears. 
What  a  perfect  rebellion  and  clamor  of  fears, 
"What  murmurs  unchecked,  tempers  unreconciled  ! 
All  within  us,  but  faith,  is  disordered  and  wild. 

8. 

Yet  see  how  we  crouch  to  Thee,  Lord !  after  all ; 
We  wished  Thee  far  off  while  the  blow  did   not 

fall. 
And  now  our  sole  joy  is  to  feel  Thee  so  near, 
And  we  fling  ourselves  down  on  Thy  lap  without 

fear. 

9. 

We  fling  ourselves  on  Thee  with  passionate  trust ; 
Thou  art  always  most   loving  when  forced  to  be 

just; 
And  our  ravings  and  tears  are  no  worse  in  Thine 

eyes, 
Than   the    newly-weaned    mountain-lamb's   pitiful 

cries. 
40* 


474  DEEP  GRIEF. 

10. 

Our  foolish  wild  words  are  some  \^orship  to  Thee, 
Thou  hast  made  us  so,  Lord !  and  wouldst  have  it 

so  be; 
And  we  know,  when  our  hearts  the  most  bitterly 

swell, 
Not  the  less  was  it  love  for  being  judgment  as  well. 

11. 

Thy  knowledge  of  us  makes  Thy  pity  more  deep ; 
Our  knowledge  of  Thee  bids  us  trust  while  we  weep  : 
For  it  is  when  we  weep  we  are  often  most  still ; 
They  who  mourn  most  keep  often  most  close  to  Thy 
will. 

12. 

Thou  wert  always  our  Father !   Each  sun  that  arose 
Has  done  nothing  through  life   but  fresh   mercies 

disclose ; 
But  we  feel,  while  the  joy  of  our  life  is  laid  low, 
Thou  hast  ne'er  been  so  tender  a  Father  as  now. 


143. 

DEEP  GRIEF. 
1* 

Days,  weeks,  and  months  have  gone,  O  Lord 
They  seemed  both  long  and  brief; 

Yet  darker  still  the  darkness  grows, 
And  deeper  lies  iha  grief. 


DEEP  GRIEF.  475 


•2. 


They  spoke  of  sorrow's  laws  and  ways, 
They  said  what  time  would  do ; 

"Wise-sounding  words  !  yet  have  they  been 
Most  bitterly  untrue, 

3. 

O  sorrow !  'tis  thy  law  to  feed 

On  what  should  be  relief; 
O  time !  of  all  things  surely  thou 

Art  cruelest  to  grief. 

4. 

They  tell  me  I  am  better  now 
That  tears  have  passed  away : 

Alas !  those  earlier  days  of  tears 
Were  sunshine  to  to-day. 

5. 

The  mind  was  less  afraid  of  self, 

When  sorrow's  thoughts  grew  rank: 

The  sights  and  sounds  of  recent  grief 
Were  better  than  this  blank. 

6. 

Old  grief  is  worse  than  new :  its  pain 

Is  deeper  in  the  heart; 
The  dull  blind  ache  is  worse  to  bear 

Than  blow,  or  wound,  or  smart. 


476  DEEP  GRIEF. 

7. 

Deeper  and  deeper  in  my  soul 
The  weight  of  grief  is  stealing, 

And,  strange  to  say,  I  feel  it  more 
AVhen  it  has  sunk  past  feeling. 

8. 

O  grief!  when  thou  wert  fresh  and  sharp, 

Part  of  life  felt  thy  blow ; 
But,  grown  the  habit  of  my  heart, 

Thou  art  my  whole  life  now. 

# 

9. 

Most  sovereign  when  least  sensible, 
Most  seen  when  out  of  sight, 

Thou  art  the  custom  of  the  day, 
And  the  haunting  of  the  night, 

10. 

Oh  that  they  would  not  comfort  me ! 

Deep  grief  cannot  be  reached ; 
Wisdom,  to  cure  a  broken  heart. 

Must  not  be  wisdom  preached. 

11. 

Deep  grief  is  better  let  alone ; 

Voices  to  it  are  swords  ; 
A  silent  look  will  soothe  it  more 

Than  tlie  tenderness  of  words. 


DEEP  GRIEF.  477 


12. 


Oh  speak  not !  I  will  do  my  work, 
Nay,  more  work  than  my  share ; 

For  to  feel  that  it  is  idle  grief 
Is  what  deep  grief  cannot  bear, 

13. 

Deep  grief  is  not  a  past  event, 

It  is  a  life,  a  state, 
Which  habit  makes  more  terrible, 

And  age  more  desolate. 

14. 

But  am  I  comfortless  ?     Oh  no  ! 

Jesus  this  pathway  trod ; 
And  deeper  in  my  soul  than  grief 

Art  Thou,  my  dearest  God  ! 

15. 

Good  is  that  darkening  of  our  lives, 
Which  only  God  can  brighten : 

But  better  still  that  hopeless  load. 
Which  none  but  God  can  lighten. 


478  QBIEF  AND  LOSS. 


144. 

GRIEF  AND  LOSS. 

1. 

Lord !  art  Thou  weary  of  my  cry, 
My  unrepressed  complaint  ? 

The  more  Thy  hand  upholdeth  me 
The  more  I  seem  to  faint. 

2. 

Alas !  had  ever  grief  of  man 

Such  discontent  as  mine  ? 
Yet  how  I  crave  to  have  my  will 

Simply  content  with  Thine  ! 

3. 

Bear  with  me,  patient  God  of  Job! 

Bear  with  Thy  weakly  child ; 
My  thoughts  are  fevered  with  my  grief, 

My  heart  is  going  wild. 

4. 

From  some  abyss  these  causeless  bursts 

Of  stormy  sorrow  flow ; 
It  seems  as  if  nor  outward  thing, 

Kor  inward,  brought  the  woe. 


GRIEF  AND  LOSS.  479 


5. 


All  of  itself  it  comes,  and  sweeps 

The  landmarks  quite  away ; 
And  these  sudden  tempests  mostly  come 

On  the  eve  of  a  quiet  day. 

6. 

There  is  some  change  within  my  grief, 

Some  shifting  of  my  cross  : 
What  overweights  me  is  not  grief, 

It  is  the  sense  of  loss. 

7. 

AVliat  was  a  grief  is  now  a  loss, 

A  stationary  want, 
An  absence  felt  in  every  room. 

In  each  familiar  haunt. 

8. 

My  God!  how  petulant  I  am, 

How  hard  to  please  in  grief, 
For  ever  making  fresh  complaint 

Of  what  should  be  relief! 

9. 

But,  Lord !  Thou  lovest  we  should  speak, 

Nor  silent  bear  our  pain  : 
The  look  of  Thy  forbearing  love 

Allures  us  to  complain. 


480  GRIEF  AND  LOSS. 

10. 

Oh  loss  is  griefs  most  joyless  side, 
Griefs  least  religious  state  : 

'Tis  sorrow  most  unreconciled, 
Because  most  lilve  to  fate. 

11. 

Loss  is  a  sense  upon  whose  nerve 
Life's  ceaseless  weight  must  press, 

A  pain  too  dull  and  equable 
To  vary  its  distress. 

12. 

Loss  is  a  thing  so  multiplied, 

So  many-shaped  a  grief, 
So  echoing  every  sound  of  life. 

That  there  is  no  relief. 

13. 

I  seemed  to  have  him  while  I  grieved ; 

At  least  grief  was  no  void ; 
In  some  strange  way  the  vehement  woe 

My  sinking  spirits  buoyed. 

14. 

Fresh  grief  can  occupy  itself 
With  its  own  recent  smart ; 

It  feeds  itself  on  outward  things, '  ^ 

And  not  on  its  own  heart. 


GRIEF  AND  LOSS.  481 


15. 


New  sorrow  never  goads  :  it  seems 

To  fill  and  occupy ; 
But  I  am  goaded  to  despair 

By  this  blind  vacancy  : 

16. 

And  then  it  is  such  calm  despair, 
Such  a  mute  and  passive  pain, 

That  they  who  love  me  smile,  and  say,- 
That  I  am  myself  again ! 

17. 

I  move  about,  and  do  my  work, 

That  old  routine  of  yore ; 
But,  if  I  seem  to  sorrow  less, 

It  is  to  miss  him  more. 

18. 

VYhen  I  have  missed  him  most  all  day, 

I  have  him  in  my  dreams  ; 
And  then  how  worse  than  the  first  loss 

The  dismal  waking  seems  ! 

19. 

This  sense  of  loss, — oh  can  it  last  ? 

Or,  if  it  lasts,  be  borne? 
The  extremity  that  comes  at  night 

Has  a  worse  extreme  at  morn. 

41 


482  GEIi:F  AND  LOSS. 

20. 

My  sorrow  could  defend  itself^ 
Or  at  least  could  live  apart; 

But  the  loss  intrudes  from  every  side 
On  my  defenceless  heart. 

21. 

The  present  is  so  like  the  past, 

Yet  so  terribly  unlike, 
That  all  life's  touches  do  not  touch. 

But  cut  and  bruise  and  strike. 

22. 

If  it  was  more  unbearable 

So  storm ily  to  grieve, 
The  hopelessness  of  my  great  loss 

Is  harder  to  believe  ; — 

23. 

Worse  to  believe, — and  yet  alas! 

Worse  to  be  borne  as  well. 
Because  it  makes  life  felt  to  be 

So  quite  impossible. 

24. 

Is  it,  O  Lord  !  that  I  too  much 
On  creature's  love  have  leaned? 

Else  why  this  void  of  all  things  now, 
This  pain  of  being  weaned? 


GRIEF  AND  LOSS,  483 


25. 


Sorrow  by  Its  own  nature  is 

In  league  with  self-deceit ; 
Its  very  grace  improves  its  skill 

More  grace  to  counterfeit, 

26. 

Sorrow  induls^ed  must  alwavs  make 

The  grace  within  us  less ; 
Plan's  sorrow  at  its  best  must  be 

A  form  of  selfishness,-— 

27. 

The  gracefulest  of  all  self-loves, 

But  a  self-worship  still, 
A  waste  of  heart  whose  deepest  depths 

It  is  Thy  right  to  fill. 

28. 

Faith  does  not  know  of  empty  hearts ; 

They  should  be  full  of  Tiiee, 
And  to  be  full  of  Thee  aloiie 

Is  their  eternity. 

29. 

All  life  is  loss  ;  for  it  delays 

The  vision  of  Thy  Face : 
Yet  nothing,  Lord !  is  lost  to  hira 

Who  hath  not  lost  Thy  grace. 


484  THE  SHADOW  OF  THE  ROCK. 

145. 

THE  SHADOW  OF  THE  ROCK. 

1. 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock  ! 
Stay,  Pilgrim  !  stay  ! 
Night  treads  upon  the  heels  of  day ; 
There  is  no  other  resting-place  this  way. 
The  Rock  is  near, 
The  well  is  clear, 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock. 

2. 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock  ! 
The  desert  wide 
Lies  round  thee  like  a  trackless  tide, 
In  waves  of  sand  forlornly  multiplied. 
The  sun  is  gone, 
Thou  art  alone, 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock. 

3. 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 
•  All  come  alone, 

All,  ever  since  the  sun  hath  shone. 
Who  travelled  by  this  road  have  come  alone. 
Be  of  good  cheer, 
A  home  is  here. 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock. 


THE  SHADOW  OF  THE  BOCK.  485 


4. 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 
Night  veils  the  land  ; 
How  the  palms  whisper  as  they  stand  ! 
How  the  well  tinkles  faintly  through  the  sand ! 
Cool  water  take 
Thy  thirst  to  slake, 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock. 


5. 


The  Shadow  of  the  Rock  I 
Abide!  Abide! 
This  Rock  moves  ever  at  thy  side, 
Pausing  to  welcome  thee  at  eventide. 
Ages  are  laid 
Beneath  its  shade, 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 


6. 


The  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 
Always  at  hand, 
Unseen  it  cools  the  noon-tide  land, 
And  quells  the  fire  that  flickers  in  the  sand. 
It  comes  in  sight 
Only  at  night. 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock. 


41 


486  THE  SHADOW  OF  THE  ROCK, 

7. 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 
Mid  skies  storm-riven 
It  gathers  shadows  out  of  heaven, 
And  holds  them  o'er  us  all  night  cool  and  even. 
Throug^h  the  charmed  air 
Dew  falls  not  there, 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock. 


8. 


The  Shadow  of  the  Rock! 
To  an2:el's  eves 
This  Rock  its  shadow  multiplies, 
And  at  this  hour  in  countless  places  lies. 
One  Rock,  one  Shade, 
O'er  thousands  laid, 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock. 


9. 


The  Shadow  of  the  Rock  \ 
To  weary  feet. 
That  have  been  diligent  and  fleet, 
The  sleep  is  deeper  and  the  shade  more  sweet. 
O  weary  !  rest. 
Thou  art  sore  pressed. 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock. 


THJ^:  SHADOW  OF  THE  ROCK.  487 


10. 


The  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 
Thy  bed  is  made; 
Crowds  of  tired  souls  like  thine  are  laid 
This  night  beneath  the  self-same  placid  shade. 
They  who  rest  here 
Wake  with  heaven  near, 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock. 


11. 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 
Pilgrim  !  sleep  sound ; 
In  mo:ht's  swift  hours  with  silent  bound 
The  Rock  will  put  thee  over  leagues  of  ground, 
Gaining  more  way 
By  night  than  day ; 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock, 


12. 


The  Shadow  of  the  Rock  ! 
One  day  of  pain 
Thou  scarce  wilt  hope  the  Rock  to  gain, 
Yet  there  wilt  sleep  thy  last  sleep  on  the  plain; 
And  only  wake 
In  heaven's  day-break, 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock.. 


488  A  CHILD'S  DEATH. 


146. 

A  CHILD'S  DEATH. 

1. 

Thou  tonchest  iis  liglitly,  O  God  !  in  our  grief; 
But  how  rough  is  Thy  touch  in  our  prosperous 
hours ! 
All  was  bright,  but  Thou  earnest,  so  dreadful  and 
brief, 
Like  a  thunderbolt  falling  in  gardens  of  flowers. 

2. 

My  children !  My  children  !  they  clustered  all  round 
me. 
Like  a  rampart  which  sorrow  could  never  break 
through  ; 
Each  change  in  their  beautiful  lives  only  bound  me 
In  a  spell  of  deliglit  which  no  care  could  undo. 

3. 

But  the  eldest !  O  Father !  how  glorious  he  was, 
With  the  soul  looking  out  through  his  fountain- 
like eyes  : 

Thou  lovest  Thy  Sole-born!  And  had  I  not  cause 
I'lie  treasure  Thou  gavest  me,  Father  !  to  prize  ? 


A  CHILD'S  DEATH.  489 

4. 

But  the  lily-bed  lies  beaten  down  by  the  rain, 

And  the  tallest  is  gone  from  the  place  where  he 
grew; 
My  tallest !  my  fairest !  Oh  let  me  complain ; 
For  all  life  is  unroofed,  and  the  tempests  beat 
through. 

5. 

I  murmur  not,  Father  !   My  will  is  with  Thee ; 

I  knew  at  the  first  that  my  darling  was  Thine : 
Hadst  Thou  taken  him  earlier,  O  Father  ! — but 
see ! 
Thou  hadst  left  him  so  long  that  I  dreamed  he 
was  mine. 

6. 

Thou  hast  taken  the  fairest:  he  the  fairest  to  me : 

Thou  hast  taken  the  fairest :  'tis  always  Thy  way ; 
Thou  hast  taken   the  dearest:    was  he  dearest  to 
Thee? 
Thou  art  welcome,  thrice  welcome : — yet  woe  is 
the  day ! 

7. 

Thou  hast  honored  my  child  by  the  speed  of  Thy 
choice. 
Thou  hast  crowned  him  with  glory,  overwhelmed 
him  with  mirth : 
He  sings  up  in  heaven  with   his  sweet-sounding 
voice, 
While  I,  a  saint's  mother,  am  weeping  on  earth. 


490  A  CHILD'S  DEATH. 

8. 

Yet  oh  for  that  voice,  which  is  thrilling  through 
heaven, 

One  moment  my  ears  with  its  music  to  slake ! 
Oh  no  !  not  for  worlds  would  I  have  him  re-given, 

Yet  I  long  to  have  back  what  I  would  not  re-take. 

9. 

I  grudge  him,  and  grudge  him  not !   Father  !  Thou 
knowest 

The  foolish  confusions  of  innocent  sorrow ; 
It  is  thus  in  Thy  husbandry,  Saviour  !  Thou  so  west 

The  grief  of  to-day  for  the  grace  of  to-morrow. 

10. 

Thou  art   blooming  in   heaven,  my  Blossom,  my 
Pride ! 
And  thy  beauty  makes  Jesus  and   Mary  more 
glad  : 
Saints'  mothers  have  sung  when  their  eldest-born 
died, 
Oh  why,  my  own  saint !  is  thy  mother  so  sad? 

11. 

Go,  go  with  thy  God,  with  thy  Saviour,  my  child  ! 

Thou  art  His;  I  am  His;  and  thy  sisters  are 
His: 
But  to-day  thy  fond  mother  with  sorrow  is  wild, — 

To  think  that  her  son  is  an  angel  in  bliss ! 


THE  LAND  BEYOND  THE  SEA.  491 

12. 

Oh  forgive  me,  dear  Saviour !  on  heaven's  bright 
shore 

Should  I  still  in  my  child  find  a  separate  joy  : 
While  I  lie  in  the  light  of  Thy.  Face  evermore, 

May  I  think  heaven  brighter  because  of  my  boy  ? 


147. 

THE  LAND  BEYOND  THE  SEA. 

1. 

The  Land  beyond  the  Sea  ! 

"When  will  life's  task  be  o'er  ? 

When  shall  we  reach  that  soft  blue  shore, 

O'er  the  dark  strait  whose  billows  foam  and  roar? 

When  shall  we  come  to  thee. 

Calm  Land  beyond  the  Sea  ? 

2. 

The  Land  beyond  the  Sea  ! 

How  close  it  often  seems. 

When  flushed  with  evening's  peaceful  gleams ; 

And   the   wistful   heart  looks  o'er  the  strait,   an< 

dreams ! 
It  longs  to  fly  to  thee. 
Calm  Land  beyond  the  Sea  1 


492  THE  LAND  BEYOND  THE  SEA. 

3. 

The  Land  beyond  the  Sea ! 

Sometimes  distinct  and  near 

It  grows  upon  the  eye  and  ear, 

And  the  gulf  narrows  to  a  threadlike  mere 

We  seem  half  way  to  thee, 

Calm  Land  beyond  the  Sea ! 

4. 

The  Land  beyond  the  Sea ! 

Sometimes  across  the  strait, 

Like  a  drawbridge  to  a  castle  gate. 

The  slanting  sunbeams  lie,  and  seem  to  wait 

For  us  to  pass  to  thee. 

Calm  Land  beyond  the  Sea ! 

5. 

The  Land  beyond  the  Sea ! 

Oh  how  the  lapsing  years, 

Mid  our  not  unsubmissive  tears, 

Have  borne,  now  singly,  now  in  fleets,  the  biers 

Of  those  we  love  to  thee, 

Calm  Land  beyond  the  Sea  I 

6. 

The  Land  beyond  the  Sea  ! 

How^  dark  our  present  home ! 

By  the  dull  beach  and  sullen  foam 

How  wearily,  how  drearily  wc  roauu 

With  arms  outstretched  to  thee. 

Calm  Land  beyond  the  Sea ! 


THE  LAND  BEYOND  THE  SEA.  493 

7. 

The  Land  beyond  the  Sea  ! 
When  will  our  toil  be  done  ? 
Slow-footed  years !  more  swiftly  run 
Into  the  gold  of  that  unsetting  sun ! 
Homesick  we  are  for  thee, 
Calm  Land  beyond  the  Sea ! 

8. 

The  Land  beyond  the  Sea ! 

Why  fadest  thou  in  light  ? 

Why  art  thou  better  seen  towards  night  ? 

Dear  Land  !  look  always  plain,  look  always  bright, 

That  we  may  gaze  on  thee, 

Calm  Land  beyond  the  Sea  ! 

9. 

The  Land  beyond  the  Sea  ! 

Sweet  is  thine  endless  rest. 

But  sweeter  far  that  Father's  Breast 

Upon  thy  shores  eternally  possessed ; 

For  Jesus  reigns  o'er  thee, 

Calm  Land  beyond  the  Seal 


42 


494  THE  SHORE  OF  ETERNITY, 


148. 

THE  SHORE  OF  ETEKNITY. 

1. 

Alone !  to  land  alone  upon  that  shore ; 
With  no  one  sight  that  we  have  seen  before, - 

Things  of  a  different  hue, 

And  the  sounds  all  new, 
And  fragrances  so  sweet  the  soul  may  faint. 
Alone !  Oh  that  first  hour  of  being  a  saint ! 

2, 

Alone  !  to  land  alone  upon  that  shore  ! 

On  which  no  wavelets  lisp,  no  billows  roar, 
Perhaps  no  shape  of  ground, 
Perhaps  no  sight  or  sound. 

No  forms  of  earth  our  fancies  to  arrange, — 

But  to  begin  alone  that  mighty  change  I 

3. 

Alone  !  to  land  alone  upon  that  shore  ! 
Knowing  so  well  we  can  return  no  more : 

No  voice  or  face  of  friend. 

None  with  us  to  attend 
Our  disembarking  on  that  awful  strand. 
But  to  arrive  alone  in  such  a  land ! 


THE  SHORE  OF  ETERNITY,  495 


4. 


Alone!  to  land  alone  upon  that  shore: 
To  begin  alone  to  live  for  evermore, 

To  have  no  one  to  teach 

The  manners  or  the  speech 
Of  that  new  life,  or  put  us  at  our  ease  : — 
Oh  that  we  might  die  in  pairs  or  companies ! 

6. 

Alone !    No  !    God  hath  been  there  long  before, 
Eternally  hath  waited  on  that  shore 

For  us  who  were  to  come 

To  our  eternal  home ; 
And  He  hath  taught  His  angels  to  prepare 
In  what  way  we  are  to  be  welcomed  there. 

6. 

Like  one  that  waits  and  watches  He  hath  sate, 

As  if  there  were  none  else  for  whom  to  wait, 
Waiting  for  us,  for  us 
"Who  keep  Him  waiting  thus, 

And  who  bring  less  to  satisfy  His  love 

Than  any  other  of  the  souls  above. 

7. 

Alone?     The  God  we  know  is  on  that  shore, 
The  God  of  whose  attractions  we  know  more 

Than  of  those  who  may  appear 

Nearest  and  dearest  here  : 
Oh  is  He  not  the  life-long  friend  we  know 
More  privately  than  any  friend  below  ? 


490  THE  SHORE  OF  ETERNlTr. 

8. 

Alone?     The  God  we  trust  is  ^n  that  shore, 
The  Faithful  One  whom  we  have  trusted  more 

In  trials  and  in  woes 

Than  Ave  have  trusted  those 
On  whom  we  leaned  most  in  our  earthly  strife, — 
Oh  we  shall  trust  Him  more  in  that  new  life ! 

9. 

Alone  ?     The  God  we  love  is  on  that  shore. 
Love  not  enough,  yet  whom  we  love  far  more, 

And  whom  we've  loved  all  through, 

And  with  a  love  more  true 
Than  other  loves, — yet  now  shall  love  Him  more 
True  love  of  Him  begins  upon  that  shore ! 

10. 

So  not  alone  we  land  upon  that  shore : 
'Twill  be  as  though  we  had  been  there  before; 

We  shall  meet  more  we  know 

Than  we  can  meet  below. 
And  find  our  rest  like  some  returning  dove. 
And  be  at  home  at  once  with  our  Eternal  Love! 


PARADISE,  497 

149. 

PARADISE. 

1. 

O  Paradise !   O  Paradise ! 

Who  doth  not  crave  for  rest  ? 
Who  would  not  seek  the  happy  land, 
Where  they  that  loved  are  blest ; 
Where  loyal  hearts,  and  true, 

Stand  ever  in  the  light, 
All  rapture  through  and  through, 
In  God's  most  holy  sight  ? 

2. 

O  Paradise !   O  Paradise ! 

The  world  is  growing  old ; 
Who  would  not  be  at  rest  and  free 
Where  love  is  never  cold. 
Where  loyal  hearts,  and  true, 

Stand  ever  in  the  light. 
All  rapture  through  and  through, 
In  God's  most  holy  sight  ? 

3. 

O  Paradise  !   O  Paradise! 

Wherefore  doth  death  delay, 
Bright  death,  that  is  the  welcome  dawn 

Of  our  eternal  day ; 

42* 


498  PARADISE. 

Where  loyal  hearts,  and  true, 
Stand  ever  in  the  light, 

All  rapture  through  and  through, 
In  God^s  most  holy  sight  ? 

4. 

0  Paradise !   O  Paradise ! 
'Tis  weary  waiting  here  ; 

1  long  to  be  where  Jesus  is. 
To  feel,  to  see  Him  near ; 

AVhere  loyal  hearts,  and  true, 
Stand  ever  in  the  light. 

All  rapture  through  and  through. 
In  God's  most  holy  sight. 

5. 

0  Paradise  !   O  Paradise  ! 
I  want  to  sin  no  more ; 

1  want  to  be  as  pure  on  earth 
As  on  thy  spotless  shore ; 

Where  loyal  hearts,  and  true, 
Stand  ever  in  the  light. 

All  rapture  through  and  through, 
In  God's  most  holy  sight. 

6. 

O  Paradise !    O  Paradise  ! 

I  greatly  long  to  see 
The  special  piace  my  dearest  Lord 

Is  destining  for  me; 


HEA  VEN.  409 

Where  loyal  hearts,  and  true, 

Stand  ever  in  the  light, 
All  rapture  through  and  through, 

In  God's  most  holy  sight. 

7. 

O  Paradise !   O  Paradise  ! 
I  feel  'twill  not  be  long ; 
Patience !  I  almost  think  I  hear 
Faint  fragments  of  thy  song ; 
Where  loyal  hearts,  and  true, 

Stand  ever  in  the  light, 
All  rapture  through  and  through, 
In  God's  most  holy  sight. 


150. 

HEAVEN. 
1. 

Oh  what  is  this  splendor  that  beams  on  me  now, 
This  beautiful  sunrise  that  dawns  on  my  soul. 

While  faint  and  far  off  land  and  sea  lie  below. 
And  under  my  feet  the  huge  golden  clouds  roll  ? 

2. 

To  what  mighty  king  doth  this  city  belong. 

With  its  rich  jewelled  shrines,  and  its  gardens  of 
flowers. 
With  its  breaths  of  sweet  incense,  its  measures  of 
song. 
And  the  light  that  is  gilding  its  numberless  towers 


500  BEA  VEN. 

3. 

See  !  forth  from  the  gates,  like  a  bridal  array, 

Come  the  princes  of  heaven,  how  bravely  they 
shine ! 

'Tis  to  welcome  the  strano^er,  to  show  me  the  way, 
And  to  tell  me  that  all  I  see  round  me  is  mine. 

4. 

There   are   millions   of  saints,  in   their   ranks  and 
degrees. 
And  each  with  a  beauty  and  crown  of  his  own; 
And   there,    far    outnumbering   the   sands   of    the 
seas. 
The  nine  rings  of  Angels  encircle  the  throne. 

5. 

And  far  in  the  heart  of  that  glorious  light 
The  mighty  Apostles  are  seated  in  state, 

With  Joseph  and  John,  who  in  life's  mortal  night 
Were  appointed  on  Jesus  and  Mary  to  wait. 

6. 

And,  still  deeper  in,  Mary's  splendor  is  seen, 
Her  beautiful  self  and  her  choice  starry  crown; 

And  all  heaven  grows  bright  in  the  smile  of  its 
Queen, 
For  the  glory  of  Jesus  illumines  her  throne. 


HEAVEN,  501 


7. 


And  oh,  if  the  exiles  of  earth  could  but  win 
One  sight  of  the  beauty  of  Jesus  above, 

From  that  hour  they  would  cease  to  be  able  to  sin, 
And  earth  would  be  heaven;  for  heaven  is  love. 


8. 


But  words  may  not  tell  of  the  Vision  of  Peace, 
With  its  worshipful  seeming,  its  marvellous  fires ; 

"Where  the  soul  is  at  large,  where  its  sorrows  all 
cease. 
And  the  gift  has  outbidden  its  boldest  desires. 


9. 


No  sickness  is  here,  no  bleak  bitter  cold, 
No  hunger,  debt,  prison,  or  weariful  toil  ; 

No  robbers  to  rifle  our  treasures  of  gold. 
No  rust  to  corrupt,  and  no  canker  to  spoil. 


10. 

My  God  !  and  it  was  but  a  short  hour  ago 
That  I  lay  on  a  bed  of  unbearable  pains ; 

All  was  cheerless  around  me,  all  weeping  and  woe; 
Now  the  wailing  is  changed  to  angelical  strains. 


602 


HE  A  VEN. 


11. 

Because  I  served  Thee,  were  life's  pleasures  all  lost  ? 

Was  it  gloom,  pain,  or  blood,  that  won  heaven  for 
me? 
Oh  no  !  one  enjoyment  alone  could  life  boast, 

And  that,  dearest  Lord !  was  my  service  of  Thee. 

12. 

I  had  hardly  to  give ;  'twas  enough  to  receive, 
Only  not  to  impede  the  sweet  grace  from  above 

And,  this  first  hour  in  heaven,  I  can  hardly  believe 
In  so  great  a  reward  for  so  little  a  love. 


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CECL  cm.    APR  2  4 


1981 


-lEOL 


C11.    MAY     7  198^ 


T 


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